Watching fireworks is one of the joys of summer holidays, but home fireworks are dangerous. In fact, thousands of children under age 15 go to emergency rooms every year as a result of firework injuries.

We cannot stress this enough — leave fireworks to the professionals. The best and safest thing to do is enjoy fireworks at community displays. For kids under age 5, it’s a good idea to use safety earmuffs to protect their hearing. 

Fireworks at home present a real danger. And relaxed laws in the United States have made it easier for kids and teens to buy fireworks and other pyrotechnics at a younger age. And hospitals all over the country saw a corresponding increase in firework-related injuries. The statistics from the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission are alarming:

• In 2024, 11 people died from fireworks related injuries.
  
  
• In 2024 14,700 people were treated in hospital emergency departments with firework injuries. 700 of those injuries were caused by sparklers. 
  
  
• About 37% of injuries treated in emergency departments were burns. Injuries to the hands and fingers made up about 36% the head, face and ears were 22%.
  
  
• Kids between 15 and 19 years old had the highest rate of emergency department-treated injuries. Children between the ages of 5 and 9 had the second highest rate.

Eye Safety

Each year, there are nearly 2,000 fireworks-related eye injuries in the United States. Eye doctors treat patients who suffer injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to serious damage that leads to blindness. In fact, on the Fourth of July last year, Children’s Wisconsin cared for two patients with blinding eye injuries. Both children were bystanders at family events where fireworks were being used. Neither child was actively involved in setting off the fireworks.

If you or a child suffers a fireworks-related eye injury, take the following steps to minimize further damage:

• Seek medical attention right away
  
  
• Avoid rubbing the eye
  
  
• Do not attempt to rinse the eye
  
  
• Refrain from applying pressure to the eye
  
  
• Do not try to remove any objects from the eye
  
  
• Avoid applying drops/ointments before receiving medical care

Sparkler Safety

Sparklers may be Instagram-worthy when they light up the night, but while many parents think sparklers are harmless, they are the leading cause of firework injuries, making up a third of injuries in kids under 5.

Sparklers burn at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt glass — making it easy for them to cause severe burns. They can ignite clothing, and the sparkler wire stays hot long after the flame is out. 

Glow sticks are a fun and safe alternative to sparklers, especially for young children. Buy a bunch and see how many kids can hold and twirl at once.

Bottle Rockets

Bottle rockets account for half of all firework-related eye injuries and are also the biggest cause of firework injuries that result in permanent blindness. Bottle rockets are out of control from the moment they are lit, making unpredictable paths. There is simply no safe way to use them.

Other Safety Tips

• Keep a close eye on children: Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Children may not understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately while using them or know what to do in case of emergency. Even small poppers and snappers can be dangerous. 
  
  
• Let the professionals handle it: You can still enjoy the Fourth of July without using consumer fireworks. The safest option is to attend a professional fireworks display or drone show.

Let’s have a happy and safe summer and leave fireworks to the professionals.