Each year firefighters and emergency medical personnel, along with hospital emergency rooms, must deal with the devastating consequences of fireworks accidents. Fireworks lead to numerous injuries and fires every year. Along with causing injuries and fires, incidents involving fireworks can lead to criminal charges and civil penalties.

At least 18 people died from fireworks related incidents in 2020, compared to 12 reported for the previous year. About 15,600 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2020. There were about 10,000 ER-treated fireworks injuries in 2019.

Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

*Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

*Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

*Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

*Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

*Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

*Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

*Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

*Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

*Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

*After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

*Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Please if you are not sure how to light or use a permitted firework do not use it.

Have a safe and healthy holiday.