Interesting Firework Safety Facts

Since their invention in China more than 2,000 years ago, people around the world have used fireworks in celebrations. The first recorded use of fireworks was at King Henry VII’s wedding in 1486; centuries later, Captain John Smith was the first person to set off fireworks in the nation that would become the United States of America.

Each year, Americans use millions of pounds of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. While many people enjoy the dazzling, colorful pyrotechnics of a professional fireworks show, others choose to buy and set off their own fireworks — an event that can be hazardous as well as fun.

Fireworks can reach temperatures as high as 1,800 degrees — approximately 15 times the point of boiling water and hot enough to melt gold — and few people truly understand the risks associated with handling them. That’s why, every July 4th holiday, thousands of people sustain serious injuries or burns to the hands, eyes, head, face, or ears while attempting to use consumer fireworks.

If you choose to celebrate America’s Independence Day with your own private light show, be sure to keep a few safety tips in mind before setting off those fireworks:

1. Appoint one person to be in charge of lighting fireworks.
2. Don’t light fireworks on uneven or unstable ground. Instead, light them on a hard, level surface.
3. Never hold or lean over a firework while lighting it, and keep a distance of at least 20 feet between yourself and the firework as it’s discharging.
4. Always keep a hose and a bucket of water nearby when setting off fireworks.
5. Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them in a metal trash can.

While Fourth of July fireworks can be an exciting way to celebrate our nation’s independence, taking extra safety precautions can also help you avoid costly home insurance claims. Check with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate protection for your family and property this holiday season.

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