Independence Day is all about celebrating the incredible freedoms we enjoy as residents and citizens of the United States. Town and city municipalities across the country put on spectacular fireworks displays. And, the festivities continue at home where families grill out, lounge at the pool and have a little at-home fireworks fun.

While backyard fireworks may seem like a good idea, hazards abound.

Fireworks cause thousands of burns and injuries each year. According to a 2020 report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 15,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments and 18 deaths.

Here are a few simple tips to help keep you and your family safe:

Fun Fireworks Alternatives

What You Should Consider Instead…

Fireworks Safety Tips

What You Should Do…

#1 – Always supervise children around fireworks.

#2 – Keep pets indoors.

#3 – Attend sanctioned fireworks displays where measures have been taken to choose the right location, designate a safety perimeter and dispose of them properly.

What You Should Avoid…

#3 – Don’t ever give sparklers to children under the age of five. Sparklers can reach a temperature of 1200 degrees! If not used safely, they can and do lead to severe burns.

#4 – Don’t ever drink alcohol before or while setting off fireworks.

#5 – Don’t ever approach or go near a firework that has already been lit.

#6 – Don’t ever transport fireworks illegally (ex: public transportation).

#7 – Don’t ever use consumer fireworks.

#8 – Don’t ever watch or use fireworks on a windy day.

#9 – Don’t ever attempt to relight faulty fireworks.

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