A Guide to Celebrating National Firework Safety Month in the US

What is National Firework Safety Month US?

National Firework Safety Month in the US is a public awareness campaign observed every June and primarily organized by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). It aims to remind families and organizations to follow guidelines that prevent injuries and accidents. The campaign emphasizes responsible handling, legal use, and proper supervision during fireworks displays.

Importance

Firework safety is vital because consumer fireworks and even seemingly harmless sparklers can easily cause serious burns, eye injuries, hearing damage, and accidental fires if not handled correctly. Emphasizing firework safety encourages people to follow legal guidelines, maintain a safe distance, supervise children, and use basic precautions that reduce risks and ensure everyone can enjoy celebrations responsibly.

According to the US CSPC, an estimated 9700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023. Teens aged 15 to 19 and children aged 5 to 9 were the most affected, and sparklers alone caused around 700 injuries. The CPSC also found that 18 percent of tested fireworks had malfunctioning components, highlighting the ongoing need for public education and safety enforcement.

Common Fireworks Risks

Fireworks come with various risks to the safety of the people lighting the fireworks and those observing the display. As National Firework Safety Month approaches, individuals and organizations need to understand the common risks and take steps to avoid them during summer festivities. Here are some of the most common fireworks risks:

Burns and Injuries

Fireworks can reach extremely high temperatures, making even small devices like sparklers capable of causing serious skin burns. Improper handling or lack of adult supervision increases the risk of injury to hands, eyes, and faces. Practicing fire safety by keeping water nearby and wearing protective gear can help reduce these risks.

Fire Hazards

Fireworks can ignite grass, rooftops, or nearby flammable materials, leading to uncontrolled blazes. These accidents can escalate quickly without a proper fire safety plan in place. Ensuring clear surroundings and having extinguishers or hoses ready are critical precautions.

Hearing Damage

Loud explosions from fireworks can cause sudden and sometimes permanent hearing loss. This is especially risky for young children and pets, both of which who are more sensitive to noise. Including ear protection and awareness in safety routines reinforces overall safety.

Toxic Smoke Inhalation

Fireworks release harmful chemicals and heavy metals that can linger in the air as toxic smoke. Breathing in these fumes may trigger asthma, irritate lungs, or cause other respiratory issues. Awareness of wind direction and using fireworks in open areas can support better fire safety practices.

Misfires and Malfunctioning Products

Faulty fireworks may explode unpredictably or fail to launch properly, increasing injury and fire risks. These products often don’t follow safety regulations and may behave erratically. Preparing for these dangers with a wildfire preparedness mindset can help manage unexpected incidents.

Improving Firework Safety

One priority for organizations during firework safety month is to enhance safety measures to protect workers and the public from the dangers of fireworks. Here are some approaches businesses can take to improve overall firework safety during summer celebrations:

Designate a Safe Launch Zone on Company Grounds

Choose a flat and open area away from buildings, trees, dry grass, and overhead obstructions for launching fireworks. Mark this zone clearly with signs or barriers to keep spectators and non-essential personnel at a safe distance. Incorporating this into a fire safety plan ensures safer celebrations and reduces the risk of accidents.

Provide Fire Extinguishers and Water Sources Nearby

Prepare the fireworks launch area with fire extinguishers, buckets of water, or a connected hose. These tools should be checked in advance and placed within easy reach of the crew. This simple precaution strengthens fire safety readiness and helps quickly control any unexpected fires.

Require Staff to Wear Protective Gear

All employees involved in lighting or managing fireworks should wear safety goggles, gloves, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Having the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) helps minimize injuries from sparks, blasts, and flying debris. Making it mandatory demonstrates a strong commitment to fire safety protocols.

Train Employees on Proper Fireworks Handling

Staff should receive hands-on training about how to light fireworks safely, manage duds, and respond to misfires. Training sessions and mobile-friendly training modules can include simulated fire drill scenarios to reinforce response procedures. Well-informed employees are less likely to make costly or dangerous mistakes.

Implement a Clear Disposal Procedure

Create and enforce a step-by-step method for soaking used fireworks in water before discarding them in metal containers. Make sure staff understand that fireworks should never be thrown away while still hot or smoldering. This habit supports ongoing fire safety and reduces the risk of re-ignition.

Improve Firework Safety with Technology

Modern technology plays a critical role in improving firework safety by enhancing planning, monitoring, and accountability. With digital tools, organizations can streamline safety procedures, track compliance, and respond to hazards more efficiently. Technology also supports better coordination among staff, helps ensure no critical steps are missed, and provides real-time data that can prevent accidents before they happen. Here are some examples of modern technology improving firework safety:

• Digital Checklists – Digital checklists ensure that all safety protocols are followed thoroughly and consistently before, during, and after firework displays.

• Monitoring and Air Quality Sensors – Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensors monitor environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind to help prevent fire hazards and unsafe launch conditions.

• Reports – Automated reports provide detailed insights into safety performance, helping organizations identify trends and areas for improvement.

• Lone Work Monitoring – Lone work monitoring tools and safety features such as panic alarms and automated check-ins offer real-time tracking and emergency support for employees working alone in high-risk areas.

• Asset Management – Using QR codes for asset management allows teams to quickly identify, inspect, and track fireworks equipment to ensure safety and compliance.