Summer celebrations often include fireworks, but they come with real risks. The National Safety Council encourages enjoying professional displays rather than using fireworks at home. Even when legal, fireworks can cause serious injuries and are safest when left to trained experts.
Each year, thousands of people — including many children and young adults —are injured in fireworks-related incidents. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 13,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2025, with 15 reported deaths. Injuries most often affect the hands and fingers (35%) and the head, face, and ears (22%), with burns accounting for 38% of cases. [cpsc.gov]
Even small devices can be dangerous. Sparklers alone caused an estimated 1,300 injuries in 2025 and burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals.
If you choose to use fireworks
If fireworks are legal in your area, follow these safety tips:
✅ Do:
- Supervise older children closely
- Wear protective eyewear
- Light one device at a time and keep a safe distance
- Use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and flammable materials
- Keep water nearby (a bucket or hose) in case of fire
- Soak used and unused fireworks in water before disposing
❌ Don’t:
- Allow young children to handle fireworks
- Use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Hold or point fireworks at people
- Relight malfunctioning fireworks
Sparklers: More dangerous than they seem
Sparklers may look harmless, but they can cause severe burns and ignite clothing quickly. They account for a significant share of injuries among young children, including 29% of fireworks injuries for those under age 5. Consider safer alternatives like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or streamers—especially for young children.
As Dr. Christopher Harkin, an SSM Health urgent care physician notes, “Be careful with kids, especially very young children, because they may not know how to hold them. Sparklers can definitely lead to burns.”
What to do if an injury occurs
If someone is injured by fireworks:
- Run cool (not cold) water over burns for at least 20 minutes
- Remove nearby jewelry or tight clothing (if not stuck to skin)
- Cover with a clean, dry, non-stick dressing
- Do not use ice, oils, or ointments
- Do not pop blisters
Seek immediate medical care for serious injuries:
- Deep or large burns
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, or joints
- Eye injuries or vision changes
- Embedded debris or severe trauma
In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to an SSM Health Urgent Care or Emergency Room near you.
A safer way to celebrate
For the safest experience, grab a blanket and enjoy a professional fireworks display. It’s a simple way to celebrate while helping protect yourself, your family, and your community.
