Fourth of July is the deadliest holiday weekend of the year, according to the National Safety Council.
Fireworks during Independence Day celebrations present additional dangers and hazards to the general public. Fireworks cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year as well as about 18,500 reported fires: 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires cause an annual average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $43 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
“Knowing the harm fireworks inflict each year, particularly among young people, we urge everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals who are trained to safely put on spectacular displays. It is by far the safest way to enjoy them,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of outreach and advocacy in a statement.
The NFPA offers the following tips for firework safety:
- Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts.
- Do not use consumer fireworks.
- Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used.
