Firework Safety

As we celebrate this year’s Independence Day, it’s important to make sure safety is also kept in mind. While fireworks can be fun to watch and use, when they aren’t handled with precaution and care, they can quickly become hazardous.

Every year, thousands of people across the United States are treated for fireworks-related injuries, many of them during the weeks leading up to and following Independence Day. In 2025 alone, an estimated 13,000 people were injured, including more than 1,300 injuries involving sparklers.

Whether you're attending a professional fireworks show or celebrating at home, taking a few simple safety measures can help protect you and your loved ones. We spoke with a UF Health Jacksonville expert, Dr. Nathan Rooney, Emergency Medicine assistant professor, to answer common questions about fireworks safety and share expert tips to help your family enjoy a fun and injury-free holiday.

What are common injuries from fireworks?

• The most common injuries are wounds to the hands, arms, and face. Depending on the type of firework, these injuries include burns, cuts, lacerations, and other deep wounds from the blast. The eyes are especially vulnerable to sparks and flying debris.

Are sparklers as dangerous as safety experts say they are?

• Sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1000° F. They can easily cause burns or light other objects on fire. Even after the flame goes out, the metal wire can stay hot and cause injuries. If they are used at night, the metal wire could be difficult to see after the flame goes out. This could cause people to accidentally poke or burn others or themselves.

Where should someone go if they are injured by fireworks?

• Minor scrapes and burns can be treated at home by cleaning the wound with soap and water and covering with a bandage. Deeper cuts requiring stitches, eye injuries and severe burns should be evaluated by a medical professional, either in an urgent care facility or emergency department depending on the severity of the wound.

How can parents prepare children who are frightened by loud noises?

• Most young kids want to see the fireworks, but some get too scared due to the loud noises. It can be helpful to talk to the children about fireworks before they start going off. Ear protection can be used to lessen the sound and make it more enjoyable for some children.

How might fireworks affect pets?

• The loud noises and bright flashes of light can cause stress and anxiety in some pets. Keeping them indoors in a safe place can help diminish their symptoms and make them feel safe.

How can I prevent injuries from fireworks?

• It is important to understand what type of fireworks you have prior to lighting them. For example, fireworks that launch into the sky versus the ones that stay on the ground.
• Make sure you have plenty of space between the fireworks and the people around them.
• Children should be supervised at all times when around fireworks and should never be the ones lighting them.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Always have a water source close by such as a bucket or a hose.
• Fireworks that go out or malfunction should not be re-lit.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in your hand unless instructions specify to do so.

**Firework stats in the intro are pulled from: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks