It’s summertime – that time of year when Americans everywhere will be celebrating the Fourth of July holiday with food, fun, friends, and family. For many people, the 4th also means home fireworks displays – and sometimes fireworks-related injuries.
In the 15-year period between 2006 and 2021, the number of people injured by fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to a new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC.
Last year, at least nine people died – and an estimated 11,500 were injured – in incidents involving fireworks. In addition:
- There were an estimated 1,500 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers.
- Another 1,100 were treated for injuries from sparklers.
- Adults 25 to 44 years of age experienced about 32% of the injuries.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 29% of the injuries.
Don’t Become a Statistic
Celebrate Independence Day the right way by keeping yourself and your family safe from homemade fireworks displays.
If you find yourself on the wrong end of the explosion, you can be at risk of severe burns, fractures, sprains — and much more.
Don’t let yourself or a loved one become a fireworks safety statistic.
Essential Fireworks Safety Tips
The UPMC Trauma Care System has teamed with UPMC Mercy Burn Center to create a resource that outlines common fireworks-related injuries, statistics, and facts. Check out these safe fireworks alternatives to prevent a holiday trip to the hospital.
Learn more about the Mercy Burn Center
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .