More than 8,000 fireworks-related injuries occur each year. Take the following quiz to see how much you know about fireworks safety.
Questions
- Sparklers are safe fireworks and can be given to children.
- Gunpowder is a major ingredient in most types of fireworks.
- Only people who are careless or unsupervised are injured from fireworks.
- Only people who set off the fireworks risk injuries.
- Males are more likely to get hurt from fireworks.
- Bottle rockets are not dangerous because they're just firecrackers tied to a stick.
- Using fireworks is an inexpensive way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
- Within the United States, only five states ban all types of fireworks.
Answers
- False. Sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring hospitalization. Most of these injuries occur among preschool-age children. Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold (1,800 F).
- True. Most fireworks contain gunpowder, which causes these devices to explode.
- False. Because fireworks are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the person is careful or is under supervision. The best way to avoid injury is to not use fireworks.
- False. When it comes to fireworks, no one is safe. Nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.
- True. Men and boys are the most common users of fireworks. That is why four out of five fireworks injuries happen to males. Men between the ages of 22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.
- False. Bottle rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today. They account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent eye damage. Bottle rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode in mid air and fly in any direction.
- False. The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a single fireworks package, which is about $2. The average hospital emergency room charges approximately $150-$1,100 for one visit. This price does not include the cost families must pay for possible surgery, physical therapy or unnecessary blindness.
- True. The following states ban all types of fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
The best and most spectacular way to view fireworks is to attend a professionally conducted,
community-sponsored display. If you choose to use fireworks, follow the safety tips recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
Links to useful fireworks safety information:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/july4/4thjuly.html
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/fmarshal/FireworksInfo.html
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