According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2019, with 7,300 of those injuries occurring during the month surrounding the Fourth of July (June 21-July 21). Sparklers were the leading cause of injuries, accounting for an estimated 900 injuries. Similar to last year, nearly half of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were to individuals younger than 20 years of age. Burns accounted for 58% of the overall injuries, most commonly to the hands, fingers, arms, and legs. Additionally, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks were responsible for an estimated 19,500 fires, causing $105 million in direct property damage.

Prevent fireworks-related injuries with these safety tips:

• Fireworks that explode or fly are very dangerous and illegal in Miami-Dade County.

• Always buy fireworks from approved vendors and always read and follow manufacturer's instructions.

• Light fireworks in a driveway or other paved surface. Keep fireworks away from grassy areas and avoid materials that can easily catch on fire.

• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals.

• Never attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Keep already used fireworks away from unlit ones.

• Never carry fireworks in your pockets or ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Never wear loose-fitting clothing or if you have long hair, be sure to tie it back when handling fireworks.

• Never let young children play with or ignite fireworks unsupervised, including sparklers.   

• Sparklers, which are often considered harmless enough for children, can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause third-degree burns.

• Always keep a garden hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher close by in case of emergency.

• To prevent a trash fire, dispose of used fireworks properly by soaking them in water before throwing them in the trash.

• Remember, do not handle fireworks while under the influence of any substance.

• Call 9-1-1 immediately in case of a fire or burn emergency.

July is the peak month for grill fires. This Independence Day weekend, enjoy grilling your favorite meals while keeping everyone safe. Every year, more than 10,000 fires are started by grills, and nearly 19,700 people end up in emergency rooms with injuries involving grills, according to the NFPA.

Children under the age of five accounted for an average of 2,000 of the burns per year, with these burns typically occurring when children bumped into, touched or fell on the grill, grill part or hot coals.

If you’re going to be grilling this Fourth of July weekend, celebrate safely by following these safety tips:

• Never leave a burning grill unattended. Statistics show this is the number one cause of house fires in the nation.

• Be sure to keep your hands and cooking utensils clean.

• Always grill outdoors, in a well-lit, well-ventilated area, at least 10 ft. away from any building and away from anything that can burn.

• Make sure that your grill is placed well away from home, deck railings and out from under overhanging branches.

• Place the grill on a level, stable surface, away from high-traffic areas, children and pets.

• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area and never leave your grill unattended.

• Avoid grilling in covered porches or patios especially if the covering is wood, canvas or other flammable material. 

• Hot air and flames rise, so nothing combustible should be located directly above the grill.

• Make sure the grill is working properly. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes and leaks.

• If using a charcoal grill, keep charcoal fluid out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Once you're finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container.

• Dispose of charcoal away from children and pets, and cool it down with a hose. 

• Be extremely careful when handling lighter fluid and read instructions first.

Although fun may be a priority, safety should always come first to create a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. Remember that social distancing and wearing a mask is important right now.

Visit our website for additional fireworks safety and grilling safety information.