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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Fire Safety

    Fireworks

    Fireworks Safety saves fingers. Injuries are largely preventable. Here's how to keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe:

    X-Ray shows a hand with missing fingers.
    ​Fireworks were involved in more than 10,000 emergency room injuries in 2022, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

    Safety Tips

    • Alcohol and fireworks are a dangerous combination. Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, using illegal drugs or taking medication that can impair your judgement​.

    • Have a bucket of water and/or a hose near where you're setting off fireworks,  in case of accidents. Keep a fire extinguisher within reach.

    • Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers are the No. 2 cause of fireworks-related visits to the ER. Older kids should only use age-appropriate devices under close adult supervision.

    ​Sparklers burn at 2,000ºF — that's hot enough to melt some metals. 

    • Keep a close eye on children using sparklers. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — that's as hot as a blow torch flame.​

    • Soak spent and unused fireworks in a bucket of water for a few hours before throwing them away.

    • Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when setting off fireworks.

    • Don't hold fireworks in your hand or put any part of your body directly over a firework.

    Fireworks started 19,500 fires in 2018, and caused  $105 million in property damage.

    • Never light more than one firework at a time — it increases the risk of something going wrong.

    • Never light fireworks inside, near or at other people, or near buildings, and maintain a safe distance after you light one.

    • Don't handle or attempt to relight a failed firework. Wait 5-10 minutes, then place duds in a bucket of water.

    • Keep pets safe by keeping them indoors, closing the curtains/blinds, and providing some background sound for distraction.

    Don't Break the Law

    In addition ​to these safety tips, be sure to follow all laws for firework usage in your municipality, and read the manufacturer's safety guidelines. Don't use illegal fireworks.

    A young girl in patriotic attire holdsl up a box of sparklers in one hand and a blowtorch in another. Text reads: "Sparklers: Hot as a blow torch. Be safe, PA"