Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Parades, cookouts and fireworks are fun traditions for summer celebrations. But a disaster can occur when fireworks injure someone. Legal fireworks can be fairly safe with proper use. However, some types of fireworks, especially illegal kinds, can be dangerous. Over 13, 000 people are treated each year in the US for severe injuries from fireworks. Over 40% of those are children aged 14 and under. Males are injured three times more often than females. The eyes, hands and fingers are most often injured. About half of injuries are burns.

The most dangerous fireworks are banned for consumer use. A general rule is "if it makes a loud bang, spins or leaves the ground, it is illegal." Fireworks legal for consumer use (Class C) in Michigan and Genesee County are flat paper caps, toy trick noise makers, pop-its, funsnaps, toy pistols with flat paper caps, sparklers, flitter sparklers, cone or cylindrical shaped fountains that emit a shower of sparks and a whistle, toy snake or smoke devices, signal flares, blank cartridges, blank cartridge pistols and railroad emergency signal devices. Even Class C fireworks can injure. For example, sparklers can burn at over 1000°F and easily ignite clothing. For safe use of fireworks:

• Have an adult present. Forbid children under age 14 from using fireworks. Supervise older children.

• Read and follow all warning instructions. Be sure people are out-of-range before lighting. Ignite outdoors and away from houses and flammable materials.

• Keep water nearby.

• Do not relight or handle fireworks that fail. Soak them with water and throw away.

• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal containers.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Follow any special storage instructions.