Fireworks Safety
The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks is a group of 22 health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of any form of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks -- devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.
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Families are preparing for the new year. Many will use fireworks during their celebrations, but Kidd Safety wants everyone to be safe! Did you know that fireworks are dangerous, and can cause serious burn and eye injuries? Each year, over 8000 people are injured using fireworks.
How much do you know about fireworks? Take our quiz (each answer is either true or false):
- Children should never play with or light fireworks.
- Adults should always keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Adults should read and follow all warnings and instructions before using fireworks.
- Adults should be sure that other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Sparklers burn at such high temperatures that they burn clothing.
- A 7-year-old boy lost half of his left hand, including his fingers when he lit an M-80 he found hidden in a family bedroom.
- An 8-year-old girl received second and third degree burns to her leg when a spark from a sparkler she was holding ignited her dress.
All of the above are True. Here's more about the injuries in the last two questions and other true stories. Stay safe so you don't have to celebrate
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Statistics: Back to Top
- In 2004, fireworks started an estimated 1,600 structure fires and 600 vehicle fires which were reported to local fire departments. These fires resulted in 20 civilian injuries and $21 million in direct property damage. There were no reported civilian deaths.
- In 2003, 100 people were killed in a Rhode Island night club fire ignited by the indoor use of pyrotechnics in a small, crowded room with wall linings that promoted rapid flame spread. The facility had no sprinkler protection.
- In 2005, 10,800 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. More than half (54%) of 2005 fireworks injuries were burns. Contusions and lacerations were second (29%), and were twice as common as burns when the injury was to any part of the head or face, including the eye. Hands or fingers were the part of the body injured in 30% of the incidents. In 24% of the cases, the eye was involved; other parts of the face or head accounted for 20% of the injuries.
- The highest risks of fireworks injury are to school-age children. In 2005, nearly half of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15. The highest injury rate relative to population was for ages 10-14 with nearly 3 times the risk of the entire population.
- Males accounted for nearly 7 out of every 10 (69%) fireworks injuries.
- Based on the amount of time and quantities in use, fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. Although cigarettes are the leading cause of fire death, the risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is higher relative to the corresponding risk when cigarettes are burning.
- On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
- Five states ban the use of fireworks by consumers (DE, MA, NJ, NY, and RI). The other 45 states and the District of Columbia permit some or all consumer fireworks. The American Pyrotechnics Association has compiled a helpful map and directory of state-by-state fireworks control laws.
Source: NFPA’s Fireworks, by John R. Hall, Jr., April 2007
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Fireworks Laws by State: Back to Top
"Consumer" fireworks are those fireworks devices formerly classed as "Class C Common Fireworks" and now classed at "Fireworks 1.4G" by the US Department of Transportation [Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 173.56 (j)]. State laws may vary as to what types of devices are deemed to be "fireworks" under state law. "Consumer" fireworks include cone fountains, cylindrical fountains, roman candles, sky rockets, firecrackers, mines and shells, helicopter-type rockets, certain sparklers and revolving wheels. Visit The National Council of Fireworks Safety for more information.
Fireworks Laws for Johnson County, KS: Back to Top
For laws and regulations on fireworks in Johnson County, Kansas please visit the official Johnson County, Kansas website.
For laws and regulations on fireworks for the State of Kansas, visit the official State of Kansas website.
Tips on Choosing Safe Fireworks: Back to Top
Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July. But fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips: |
- Stay away from anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Fireworks are not toys! They are burning at approximately the same temperature as a household match and can cause burn injuries and ignite clothing if used improperly.
- NEVER give or allow children to play with or ignite fireworks to young children. Close, adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Select and use only legal devices. If you choose to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, check with your local police department to determine what fireworks can be legally discharged in your area.
- Stay away from illegal explosives. Illegal explosive devices continue to cause serious injuries around the Fourth of July holiday. These devices are commonly known as M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters or quarterpounders. Federally banned since 1966, these items will not contain the manufacturer's name and are usually totally unlabeled. Don't purchase or use unlabeled fireworks. If you are aware of anyone selling such devices, contact your local police department.
- Homemade fireworks are deadly. Never attempt to make your own devices and do not purchase or use any kits that are advertised for making fireworks. Mixing and loading chemical powders is very dangerous and can kill or seriously injure you. Leave the making of fireworks to the experts.
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Sources: Back to Top
The following information above was obtained from the following sources. To learn more about Fireworks Safety, please visit the following websites: |
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