Leave the Shows to the Pros

The National Safety Council reminds us that the safest place to watch fireworks this summer is at a professional fireworks celebration. 

The reason?  Severe burns.  In 2025, fireworks caused about 13,000 injuries and 15 deaths, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Of those injuries, 38% were burns.

If you choose to purchase your own fireworks, here is what to do to avoid injuries:

• Never light fireworks indoors
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Wear protective eyewear if handling or near fieworks
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Do not try to re-light a "dud";instead soak it in water for at least 20 minutes;
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case a fire starts;
• Sparklers burn at 2000 degreees and are hot enough to cause severe burns, use a safer alternative.

Make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area:

• Pennsylvania - fully legal
• New Jersey - most consumer fireworks are banned. Sparklers and certain other items are permitted.  Check local laws
• Delaware - most consumer fireworks are banned, and purchases are limited to certain days of the year. Check local laws

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