Fireworks Safety Tips: Celebrate Responsibly on Long Island

With their dazzling display of vibrant colors and loud booms, fireworks are a sight to behold. There’s also an element of danger, including fires, explosions, and fireworks-related injuries. To truly enjoy fireworks safely, taking safety measures is imperative.

According to the 2023 Annual Fireworks Report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 9,700 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Although this reflects a slight decrease from 2022, the number remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. The report also cites eight non-occupational fireworks-related fatalities in 2023. Additionally, two-thirds of all injuries occurred between June 16 and July 16. The majority of injuries involved burns, with hands, fingers, face, and eyes being the most commonly affected areas. The report also warns that consumer fireworks are a frequent cause of structure fires, especially when used in residential areas under dry or windy conditions.

As summer festivities approach, particularly in popular Long Island communities like Huntington, Babylon, and Oyster Bay, it’s critical to ensure that fireworks are handled with care to protect your family, your property, and your neighborhood.

Firework Safety Tips

Whether you attend public fireworks displays at locations like Heckscher Park or plan to set off your own at home, be sure to do so safely. Here are a few fireworks safety tips to keep in mind:

How to Safely Use Fireworks

• Read the instructions before lighting your fireworks to ensure you’re using them correctly.
• Light fireworks outside in a clear, open area away from other people and flammable materials. Children and pets should be kept far away from the area.
• Never attempt to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited, as this can increase the risk of accidental injury or fire. Instead, wait until they have completely cooled down before discarding them properly.
• Have a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of any accidental fires.
• Don’t let children handle fireworks or ignite fireworks, including firecrackers and sparklers. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees and account for more than one-quarter of fireworks injuries. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers. Never allow young children to play with fireworks.

• Don’t use fireworks if you have been drinking alcohol or are impaired in any way.
• When using fireworks, keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
• Postpone your fireworks display if it’s windy. The wind can blow sparks to nearby buildings, trees, or grass—especially relevant in areas with older homes and dry brush.
• Wear safety glasses when lighting fireworks.
• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket. The friction may set them off.
• Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or place any part of your body directly over them when igniting the fuse.
• Never carry fireworks in plastic, metal, or glass containers.
• Never point or throw fireworks at someone. Spectators should keep a safe distance.
• Light one firework at a time, then step back quickly. Don’t try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks or pieces of fireworks.

How to Safely Store Fireworks

• Store the fireworks outside your home and away from living areas. A locked storage shed is ideal. Keeping fireworks dry is essential, so be mindful of where you store them.
• If you must keep fireworks in a moisture-prone area, such as a greenhouse, basement, or attic, wrap them up tightly in sealed plastic bags.
• Don’t store fireworks or other explosives in self-storage units.
• Store fireworks away from heat or ignition sources and flammable materials.
• Lock fireworks securely in a cabinet or other container if small children or pets have access to the location.

Fireworks are a fantastic source of entertainment for summer events and backyard barbecues across Long Island, so make sure you handle them responsibly.

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Whether your home or business in Suffolk or Nassau County has experienced fire, smoke, or water damage, PuroClean of Huntington is here to help. Our IICRC-certified technicians use advanced tools and years of experience to assess and restore your property quickly and effectively.

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