You may think you know how to handle them safely. But playing with fireworks can cause blindness and hearing loss. It’s best to leave fireworks to the professionals.
Did you know that 14% of fireworks injuries are eye injuries?2 In severe cases, fireworks can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss. And at close range, fireworks are typically between 150 and 175 decibels — well above what’s safe for your hearing.3 If you do choose to handle fireworks, here are some safety tips:
- Follow local laws and use only consumer fireworks.
- Wear protective eyewear.
- Keep young children away from fireworks.
- Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear, dry area, away from houses and other flammable materials.
- To protect your hearing, enjoy the show from a safe distance.
- If you wear hearing aids, wear earmuffs, or turn them off while fireworks are exploding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place, away from any gas lines.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework when lighting.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- If injured, get medical attention immediately.
Download some additional facts about the dangers of fireworks.
