Fireworks Safety 101: How to Stay Safe This Fourth of July

Fireworks are a staple of the summer season, lighting up the Fourth of July sky in bursts of color and celebration. But behind the beauty of those bright displays lies a much more serious reality: fireworks can be dangerous, especially for children.

Every year, thousands of people across the country are injured in fireworks-related accidents. Sparklers, which are often handed to children as a “safe” alternative, burn at temperatures between 1,800°F and 3,000°F. To put that in perspective, that’s hot enough to melt certain metals. Sparklers alone account for over 10% of all fireworks injuries, many of them involving young children.

“Fireworks are a big part of summer celebrations, but they should always be handled with extreme care, or better yet, left to professionals,” says Holly Alway, injury prevention coordinator at Trinity Health Muskegon. “The safest option is to attend a public fireworks display, where trained professionals manage everything from ignition to safety measures.”

If you’re planning to celebrate Independence Day, make safety a top priority. Here are some essential tips to help keep your festivities fun and injury-free.

1. Leave Fireworks to the Pros

Public fireworks shows are a great way to enjoy the magic without the risks. They’re often bigger, more impressive, and most importantly, safer. If your community hosts a display, make it a fun night with family and friends.

2. Find Fun Alternatives

Looking for something festive for kids? Try glow sticks, confetti poppers, or LED light toys instead of sparklers. They offer the same celebratory function without the risk of burns.

3. Stay Smart Around Fireworks

If fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them at home, do so with caution:

• Only use fireworks outdoors and in open areas.
• Keep them away from dry grass, trees, or any flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person or object.
• Don’t attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water instead.

4. Keep Your Distance

Once a firework is lit, step far back immediately. It can be tempting to hover nearby, especially with smaller fireworks, but even those can be unpredictable.

5. Be Prepared for the Unexpected

Always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of fire. Used fireworks should be completely soaked before throwing them away to prevent trash fires.

Read: Where to Go for Care: Primary Care, Urgent Care or ER?

6. Protect Children

This cannot be stressed enough: never allow children to handle fireworks. Even older kids should be closely supervised. Injuries often happen when kids underestimate how hot or explosive fireworks can be.

Holly adds, “Injury prevention starts with awareness. Talking to your children about firework safety, modeling responsible behavior, and choosing safer options like glow sticks can go a long way.”

For more summer safety tips, read: Summertime Water Safety for Children

Whether you’re heading to a fireworks show, hosting a backyard BBQ, or enjoying a summer evening outdoors, a little caution can make a big difference in keeping your holidays secure.

For additional safety or injury prevention questions, visit Injury Prevention | Trinity Health or contact Holly Alway at alwayh@trinity-health.org.

Happy Fourth of July!