Over $204 million in property loss has been caused by fires in 2024. With one of the most popular days of the year to fire off pyrotechnics just days away, officials are offering firework safety tips to avoid more damage, injury, or loss of life.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10,000 fireworks-related injuries were reported at U.S. hospitals last year. Most of those injuries were burns to the hands and fingers caused by the mishandling of firecrackers.
“Children are especially at risk for firework injury. Teach your child not to point or throw fireworks at people, animals, or buildings,” State Fire Marshal and Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney said. “Show children how to put fireworks in buckets of water and dispose of them properly.”
The $200+ million in property damage this calendar year was sparked by 19,000 fires in Mississippi. To avoid adding to the statistics, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal recommends the following:
- Observe local laws.
- Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed.
- Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits.
- Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place.
- Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
- Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.
- Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
- Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.
- Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
