Fireworks Safety for New Years Eve and Lunar New Year

As two major holidays that involve fireworks approaches, it is important for celebrants to remember that consequences can occur with the mishandling of fireworks. During New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year (also known as Chinese New Year), fireworks are a major spectacle amid family, friends, food, and drink.


During times of celebration around fireworks, please remember to observe the following safety precautions:

  *   Fireworks create ash that can get into the eyes as they shoot into the air. Remember to place yourself in upwind of fireworks sparks to avoid ash residue.

  *   The smoke from firecrackers is not only uncomfortable, but hazardous to patients with breathing problems like COPD and asthma. Remember to be considerate to family, friends, and neighbors with known lung and breathing problems by letting them know, before the celebration, about the use of fireworks.

  *   Sparklers are often given to children to celebrate these holidays, but it is important for parents to remember that sparklers burn at about 1000 degrees Celsius, or 1832 degrees Fahrenheit. Remind children to play carefully with sparklers and never point them at people or animals.

  *   Extinguish used sparkler and fireworks shells in a designated, nearby bucket of water to avoid setting sparks onto dryer grass. This could start a brush fire. Also, a nearby bucket of water can be used to extinguish unintended flames.

If you or a family member experiences burns from fireworks, the burn may be as severe as a third degree burn. It is important for these patients to see an urgent care physician as soon as possible to treat second and third degree burns from fireworks.