For many Americans, an Independence Day celebration would not be complete without fireworks. It’s important to remember that fireworks, while festive, also can be dangerous. In 2021, at least 11,500 people were treated in hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). 

Safety is at the forefront of everything EEI and its member companies do. Here are 5 tips to help keep your Fourth of July safe:

• Handle all fireworks carefully: even small fireworks, like sparklers, burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees. Do not let children handle fireworks.
• Always use fireworks in an open area away from power lines. If a power line gets hit by a stray firework or catches fire, immediately call 9-1-1 and your local electric company.
• Never use fireworks near dry grass or brush, or anything else that is flammable. Wildfire season is underway, and fireworks can quickly spark a wildfire that causes damage, injuries, and widespread power outages.
• Never try to re-light malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and then dispose of them.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for customer use.

For more safety tips, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.