Latest news with #sparklers
Forbes
9 hours ago
- General
- Forbes
How To Use Fireworks Safely. Estimated 14,700 People Injured In 2024
On the Fourth of July, many people will be playing with things that can explode, namely fireworks. Gee what could possibly go wrong? Well, when it comes to fireworks, plenty. In fact, in 2024, there were an estimated 14,700 people injured by fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This included 11 reported fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 1,700 emergency room visits dur to sparklers. Deaths increased by 38% and injuries' increased by 52% compared to 2023. Be Careful About Who Handles Fireworks This isn't the time to say, 'Hey, kids, go and play with those fireworks while us adults have some alone time.' In fact, it's never a good time to say that. You should never allow younger children to play with fireworks and older children' to do so unsupervised. That includes sparklers, which may look more innocent but can get up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, sparklers are what were responsible for 29% of all firework injuries among those under five years of age in 2022, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Instead of sparklers, give kids something else shiny like glow sticks or streamers. Also, never say, 'Hold my beer, while I show you how to set off fireworks.' Do not mix fireworks with alcohol, drugs or anything else that can impair judgment. Using fireworks requires your full attention. So you shouldn't be texting or scrolling to see what MrBeast is posting on social media while handling fireworks. Use Only Appropriate Fireworks Don't use illegal fireworks. Yes, this may sound like saying, 'Don't do anything illegal,' which may seem obvious. But you'd be surprised at how easy it is to obtain illegal fireworks. Check you local ordinances. What may be legal in some jurisdictions may not be in yours. Also, stick to fireworks explicitly for consumers and not restricted to professionals. Unless you are a professional fireworks person, you don't have the training, qualifications or equipment to handle professional fireworks. Additionally, make sure that you follow all directions and warnings included with the fireworks. If your fireworks don't have directions or warnings, they may not be legitimate or legal. Keep Water Close By Not everything goes as planned in life. And that includes using fireworks. It's a good idea to keep plenty of water nearby such as a bucket of water or a garden hose, just in case something catches fire or the fireworks continue to burn. Since you may not always be able to tell if fireworks have been completely extinguished after use, it's a good idea to soak all fireworks, used or unused, before discarding them. The last thing you want to do is light the trash on fire. Do Not Use Fireworks Indoors Another thing you should never say is, 'I'm going to the bathroom to light some fireworks,' unless you mean that euphemistically. Never use fireworks in an enclosed area. Instead, make sure that the space is wide open, far away from anything that may be flammable. It's also not a good idea to light fireworks in a container. That could lead pressure to build up, resulting in an even bigger explosion. Plus, it could break the container and send fragments flying around all over the place. Make Sure That You And Others Are Properly Protected Keep yourself and those around you adequately protected when using fireworks. Don't wear something that can easily catch fire like the wedding dress with the 27-foot train and a 10-foot veil that Mariah Carey wore in her 1993 wedding to Tommy Mottola. Anyone close to fireworks should wear protective eyewear and consider covering any exposed body parts. Use Proper Procedures When Lighting Fireworks Once you light any fireworks, quickly move away and keep a safe distance from them. You should never hold lit fireworks in your hand. Don't point fireworks at anyone or say, 'Here, catch this lit firecracker.' ● Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting ● Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
Sparklers are a fun tradition in the Tri-State around the Fourth of July holiday. But they also can be incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of a toddler. According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others. Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler. The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers. Moore recommended the following advice if you're using fireworks at home: Don't let small children handle fireworks or anything that is lit, including sparklers. Don't point fireworks at people, animals, houses, etc. Follow instructions on packaging. Keep water nearby. Light fireworks one at a time. Don't try to relight a firework that didn't go off. Keep pets inside when lighting fireworks. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How hot do sparklers get? Fireworks safety tips for the Fourth of July
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
With July 4th coming, Chicago Fire Department issues fireworks safety warning
The July 4th holiday weekend is coming up, and the City of Chicago wants to make sure people send it safely. Officials from the Chicago Fire Department on Tuesday highlighted the dangers of fireworks, and just how quickly fun can turn into tragedy. At a demonstration at the University of Chicago's Comer Children's Hospital, the CFD placed its focus on sparklers, saying while they may seem harmless, they account for the second highest percentage of fireworks injuries. A mannequin clad in a button-down shirt was used in a demonstration of how dangerous fireworks can be, as sparklers were placed near the mannequin and lot. Firefighters put out the resulting blaze, but not before the shirt was destroyed and the mannequin's chest and abdomen were charred. CBS What happened to the mannequin could very easily happen to a real person, and has, officials emphasized. One mother said it only took a few seconds for her daughter's life to change forever. "It was a sparkler that caught my daughter's dress on fire when she was 5," said Aileen Marquez. "She'll never be able to wear shorts or tank tops without her scars showing from the skin grafts." Officials, as they have for decades, advised that the best thing is to leave the fireworks to professionals. Meanwhile, firefighter also focused on protecting pets. "More pets are lost on the 4th of July than any other holiday, and that's because pets have such a strong sense of hearing that these fireworks sound a lot like bombs," said Dr. Leslie Juarez-Law of West Loop Veterinary Care. Veterinarians recommend that people ensure their pets' collars, IDs, and microchips are all up to date with contact information.
