Safety When Dealing With Fireworks

• Burns are the most common type of fireworks-related injury. The hands, head, or eyes are involved in nearly 75% of these injuries.
• Children account for approximately 47% of those who receive emergency room treatment of fireworks-related injuries.
• Children ages 14 and under are the most vulnerable. The misuse of fireworks, frequently by unsupervised children, accounts for the majority of fireworks injuries.
• Firework injuries have been on the increase in recent years, accounting for 9,500 emergency room visits in 2001. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused about 24,200 fires in 1999 (latest figures available).
• Injuries most often happen when a firecracker either explodes in someone's hand, is dropped on a foot or explodes in a pocket.
• It is estimated that half of all consumer fireworks-related injuries happen to children under age 15.
• One third of all eye injuries result in permanent blindness.
• Statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that about 2/3 of fireworks-related injuries involve small firecrackers and common household fireworks.

Safe Holiday

For a safe holiday the Minnesota Safety Council recommends that you attend only community-sanctioned events. Many communities hold fireworks displays sponsored by the fire department or other safety agency. Establish a safe viewing area. The safest place to sit is at least 500 feet away from the staging area. The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate and have fun. To make your holiday 'sparkle,' take safety precautions to protect you and your loved ones.

Acknowledgements

National Fire Protection Association
National SAFE KIDS Campaign
Consumer Product Safety Commission

Consumer Fireworks Information

The sale, possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks are now permitted in Minnesota. Examples of legal fireworks include items such as sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. A more detailed list is available at http://www.dps.state.mn.us/fmarshal.

We Check ID

Consumer fireworks may not be used on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property, etc.). Purchasers of consumer fireworks must be at least 18 years old and retailers are required to check photo identification of purchasers before selling these products.

Prohibited Fireworks

Explosive and aerial fireworks are prohibited for public sale, possession and use. Prohibited fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.