Fireworks are a festive way to celebrate the 4th of July holiday or the beginning of a new year. Unfortunately, a significant rise in serious injuries from fireworks over the last 12 months is concerning.

If you’ve suffered serious injuries from fireworks, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your options. You can contact us by phone at 864-235-4999  by clicking the button below or through our contact form.

The following overview will address five startling statistics on firework-related injuries, provide some safety practices and include tips on how to treat minor burn injuries caused by fireworks.

Injuries from Fireworks Statistics

The Covid-19 pandemic forced many counties, cities and communities to cancel public fireworks displays on the 4th of July. Unfortunately, canceling these public displays lead to an increase in private fireworks usage, which may have played a factor in the shocking rise of injuries from 2019 to 2020. Here are five statistics on serious injuries from fireworks to keep in mind as you prepare for the holiday festivities.

• According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020, there was a 50 percent increase in injuries and deaths involving fireworks-related incidents.
• Over 65 percent of injuries occurred around the 4th of July holiday.
• Firecrackers and sparklers caused the majority of the serious injuries from fireworks.
• Burns were the most common type of injury caused by fireworks at 44 percent.
• Most fireworks-related injuries in 2020 occurred on the fingers and hands.

These are just some of the surprising facts about the rise in fireworks-related injuries in 2020. If you want to learn more, here’s the 2020 Fireworks Annual Report from the CPSC.

Firework Safety Tips

You can prevent potential firework injuries risks by following some simple fireworks safety practices.

Never let a child handle fireworks. A sparkler burns at around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to burn some metals.

Keep a hose or bucket of water close by to prevent a fire from spreading. Sometimes fireworks don’t go off as planned. Never relight a firework or stand above a failed firework launch. Soak the fireworks with water, then throw them away.

When using fireworks, make sure to light only one at a time. After lighting fireworks, immediately move to a safe distance.

Alcohol and fireworks are not a good combination. If you choose to drink, let someone else light the fireworks. Fireworks should never be pointed at over individuals.

Make sure you read the label on all fireworks. If you’re planning on setting off fireworks in a residential area, please make sure you’re using fireworks labeled for consumer use and not professional use.

Treating Fireworks-Related Burn Injuries

Burns represent around 70 percent of all injuries from fireworks. Knowing how to treat a minor burn can help prevent a situation from becoming more serious.

A minor burn is when the skin isn’t broken and in a small area. Following the “The Four C’s” of burn care can prevent a minor burn from worsening.

• Cool the burn with cool water, NOT ice, for at least five minutes. Ice can damage tissue and further delay the healing process.
• Clean it with soap and water.
• Cover it with a bandage or clean, dry cotton dressing.
• Call your doctor if the burn does not feel or look better within 24 hours or if the burn is larger than the palm of your hand.

If your skin is broken or the burn is impacting a larger area of the skin, please seek medical attention right away. Click on the button below to learn more about burn injuries.

Serious Injuries from Fireworks Wrap Up

If you or a child suffers an injury due to fireworks, please contact a healthcare professional right away. If the injuries aren’t treated properly, even minor burns or lacerations can lead to a serious injury.

My experience representing clients in a variety of burn-related cases can help you make sense of the complexities of your case. It’s important to remember that every case is unique. Thus, it’s very important for you to call my office to discuss your specific situation.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at 864-235-4999 or by filling out the contact form below.