LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Local firefighters are warning us about the dangers of fireworks before we head out for 4th of July celebrations.
Last year, five people were killed and more than 9,000 ended their night in the ER after handling them, according to the 2018 annual fireworks report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Of those injuries, more than a third were children.
Fireworks contain sulfur, charcoal, and gunpowder, and the red-hot fragments can reach more than 1,300 degrees, according to the CPSC.
Sparklers are the leading cause of fireworks-related injuries, reaching temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals.
The CPSC has issued several tips on how to stay safe when using fireworks if they are legal in your state. (In Jefferson County, the rule is: if it flies or explodes - it's illegal.)
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, and always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including those involving sparklers and bottle rockets.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks have completely burned, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before throwing them away so you don't cause a trash fire.
WATCH: Why do we have fireworks on the 4th of July?
State laws on both sides of the river say you can't buy fireworks until you're 18. In Indiana, fireworks are only allowed to go off between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. The exception is holidays, like July 4th, when fireworks can last until midnight. In Kentucky, you can't use fireworks within 200 feet of a building, car or another person.
It's important to check with the county or city you live in, since each may have their own individual rules and regulations.
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