Celebrating July 4th | Fireworks Safety

July 4th celebrations are underway as our nation celebrates Independence Day this week.  To many, this day is simply a day of barbecues and fireworks displays.  But, this fun summer holiday is also an important one in our nation’s history.

A Bit of History

It was been 243 years since the 13 colonies claimed independence from England on July 4, 1776 leading to the formation of the United States of America.

The historic Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, PA in the summer of 1776 which led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

Thomas Jefferson of VA drafted the Declaration of Independence and John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration of Independence.

Read more about the history of Independence Day ...

Fireworks Safety
 

Summer is here! July 4th celebrations are sure to include barbecues, swimming, parades and fireworks - It really wouldn’t be summer without the sound of fireworks, lighting up the night sky.  

However, every year, thousands of people are admitted to emergency rooms and hospitals due to fireworks-related injuries. Fireworks are dangerous enough on their own, but when mixed with alcohol or used by children the dangers are far greater.

Statistics:

• According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “…on average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.”  
• According to the National Safety Council, “…fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires….”
• According to the National Fire Protection Association, “…2 in 5 fires started by fireworks each year are reported on Independence Day.”

Don’t let your friends and family be one of these statistics – play it safe with these Fireworks Safety Tips…

Fireworks Safety Tips:

• Prepare!

  • Know your local laws – in many place fireworks are illegal.
  • Always use legal fireworks purchased from licensed outlets.
  • Fireworks should only be handled by adults. Never let children handle fireworks, even sparklers which burn hot enough to severely injure a child’s hands.
  • Never use fireworks if impaired by alcohol or drugs.
  • Store fireworks properly and keep out of reach of children.  Be sure to read the labels if there are any special storage instructions. Stage unused fireworks away from the firing areas to avoid accidental ignition.

• Go Time!

  • Keep pets safe by keeping them indoors during fireworks displays. Most pets become extremely frightened by the loud noises from fireworks and may run away if outside.
  • Never light fireworks indoors!  Only use fireworks outside, in clear areas that are free of people, houses, and other flammable materials.
  • Wear eye protection when setting off fireworks or standing nearby.
  • Always keep a bucket of water handy in case of fire or to fully extinguish dud fireworks.
  • When lighting fireworks, follow the instructions on the device, only light one at a time, move away quickly, and keep a safe distance after it’s lit.
  • Never light fireworks in a container of any kind.  Glass and metal containers can explode and cause injury with flying shrapnel and debris.
  • Do not attempt to relight a malfunctioning, or dud, firework.  They can go off unexpectedly and cause serious harm.  Soak them in water to ensure they are fully extinguished.

• Cleanup!

  • Be responsible after you finish by soaking spent, unused, and dud fireworks in water for a couple of hours before discarding.
  • When you are done, be considerate of your neighbors and neighborhood by cleaning up used fireworks.

The safest way to enjoy the celebration and fireworks displays is by watching from a safe distance – allowing the experts to manage the fireworks. 

Happy Fourth of July to everyone!  #CelebrateSafely

“Be Safe - Work Safe. Safety is No Accident!”

Erika Reichard, Regional Training Manager , Tradebe USA; and 

Tanya Texeira, EHS Administrative Assistant, Tradebe USA

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