As Independence Day weekend arrives, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services is reminding those lighting their own fireworks to do so safely.

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As Michiganians are currently in our 4th of July 'fireworks window', the MDHHS is reminding those who are celebrating with the explosives to exercise caution and be safe.

'📷 Tzvi Kilov on Unsplash
'📷 Tzvi Kilov on Unsplash
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According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, despite the summer of 2020 occurring during a pandemic, there was a 50% increase in fireworks-related injuries, including 18 deaths and more than 15,000 injuries. Firecrackers and sparklers were the most common sources of fireworks injuries.

MDHHS is urging everyone to follow the following safety steps:

  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, before buying or using them.
  • Never use or make professional-grade fireworks.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person or occupied area.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
  • Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse with water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
  • 📷 CPSC Fireworks Data
    📷 CPSC Fireworks Data
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    For more information on fireworks safety and how you can celebrate safely, visit the CPSC’s fireworks safety education center.

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