| As we gather with family and friends to celebrate the Fourth of July, fireworks are a favorite tradition for many. While they can be exciting and beautiful, fireworks also send thousands of people to emergency departments across the country every year with preventable injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 13,000 people were injured and 15 people lost their lives in fireworks-related incidents in 2025. Burns account for nearly 40% of all fireworks injuries, with the hands, fingers, face, head, and ears being the most commonly injured areas. Even sparklers, often thought to be harmless, can burn at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F and cause serious injuries—especially to children.
LARI encourages everyone to make safety a priority while celebrating this holiday.
Firework Safety Tips:
✔️ Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
✔️ Only purchase and use fireworks that are legal in your area.
✔️ Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or malfunction.
✔️ Light fireworks one at a time and move a safe distance away immediately after lighting.
✔️ Never attempt to relight or pick up fireworks that fail to ignite.
✔️ Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If an Injury Happens:
If someone is seriously burned, suffers an eye injury, experiences uncontrolled bleeding, or is otherwise seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Do not attempt to remove embedded objects or apply ice directly to severe burns. Quick medical care can make a significant difference in the outcome.
Our volunteers are proud to serve this community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but we’d much rather see everyone enjoying the holiday safely than responding to preventable emergencies.
From all of us at Lake Anna Rescue, Inc., we wish you and your family a fun, safe, and happy Independence Day! Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe.
🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! Stay safe, celebrate responsibly, and remember: safety is the best way to end the night with a bang. |
