As many Americans look forward to celebrating the Wednesday of July with their family and friends, fireworks injuries increased 25 percent in the U.S. between 2006 and 2021, according to a new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that looked at fireworks injuries last year. “It is imperative that consumers are aware of the dangers of using fireworks so that injuries and tragedies can be prevented. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch professional displays,” said CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn- Saric in a press release about the report. Spectators watch the 45th annual Macy’s 4th of July fireworks display overlooking the Manhattan skyline at Gantry State Plaza in Long Island City on July 4 in the borough of Queens, New York. (Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) “CPSC’s Office of Compliance and Field Operations continues to work closely with other federal agencies to prevent the sale of illegal consumer fireworks.” 4TH OF JULY QUIZ! HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW INDEPENDENCE DAY? About 11,500 people went to emergency for injuries related to fireworks in 2021, which was down from 15,600 injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic when many public displays were canceled, according to the report.
74% of all fireworks-related injuries in 2021 occurred in the weeks before and after last year’s Fourth of July, with the highest estimated rate of emergency department visits in the 20-24 age group. A young person wearing a US flag costume smiles on the deck of the Belle of Louisville, a historic steamship, during the Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise on July 4, 2021, in Louisville, Kentucky. (Jon Cherry/Getty Images) The hands and fingers were the most common body part injured, followed by the head, face and ears in 2021. Around 34% of injuries occurred to the hands, feet or trunk. FOX NEWS CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMMING OVER THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND About a third of firework-related injuries treated by the emergency department in 2021 were for burns, while an estimated 31% of fireworks screened and tested contained non-compliant components, according to the report.
And a national poll by the University of Michigan bears this out Children should also be aware of firework safety. “For many families, setting off fireworks is a beloved summer tradition, but fireworks are unpredictable. It’s important that parents keep children away from fireworks fireworks fireworks fireworks,” said Sarah Clark, co-director of a recent University of Michigan. Health CS Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health. “Our poll shows that some parents may need to be more diligent about ensuring a safe environment that minimizes these risks and protects children from fireworks injuries.” More than half of the parents surveyed reported that someone in their family or neighborhood had set off fireworks in the previous two years. But the poll said only one in five children sat at least 100 feet away from where aerial fireworks were launched.
“Parents vary in what age they would allow their child to participate in fireworks,” Clark said in the news release.
“But parents need to ensure that children are at the right age and maturity level to understand the risks and the importance of carefully following all safety rules. If the child is not ready to do these things, the risk of burns, eye injuries and other accidents is increased.” People gather along Main Street to watch fireworks while celebrating Independence Day on July 4, 2021, in Sweetwater, Tennessee. (Scott Olson/Getty Images) Parents often see sparklers as a safer alternative for children, but there were 1,100 emergency department-related injuries due to sparklers in 2021, according to the CPSC report.
Sparklers can burn over 1,000 degrees, which can lead to serious burn injuries if not handled properly, Clark said. “Kids should keep the sparkler at arm’s length away from their eyes, hair and clothing. The fun of sparklers is to twirl or wave them, which can make parents ensure there is enough distance between children.” said the Mott Poll Report. “Parents may think sparklers are a safe way for younger children to enjoy the summer holidays. But these are hand-held fireworks that can reach temperatures hot enough to burn some metals,” Clark said in the news release. “Sparkles are only safe if parents follow all safety precautions and children follow them.” Here are some others firework safety tips from the press release:

Only buy legal fireworks that are labeled for consumer use. Use eye protection if you use fireworks. Stay at least 100 feet away from where fireworks are being released. Light only one firework at a time. Never point or throw fireworks or flares at anyone. Have a bucket of water or a garden hose in case of emergency. Place the lighter in a bucket of water after use. Make sure children wear shoes around fireworks.

“Be prepared to use first aid. For a minor burn, place a towel soaked in cool water over the area for about five minutes. Then cover with a clean bandage and give your child acetaminophen to reduce pain and the swelling,” the statement said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “For a severe burn or if the burn involves the eyes, bring the child to the emergency room immediately.”