The Fourth of July can be a wonderful time to spend with family and friends. Before you celebrate the holiday, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.  If not handled properly, fireworks can be extremely dangerous for any age.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing or using them*
• Children should never play with fireworks. If you give your children a sparkler, make sure they know to keep the sparkler away from their face, clothing, hair, and other people.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water or a hose readily available in case of a fire.
• Douse fireworks with water before discarding.
• Set a safety zone around the area you will be igniting the fireworks. Do not let spectators sit too closely and be aware that fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction.
• Never shoot off fireworks from your hands or any other part of your body. You should always light them on the ground around non-flammable material.
• If you experience a dud firework, do not relight it. Grab your bucket of water or hose and pour water over it to ensure that it’s out completely before discarding.
• Quickly move away after you ignite a firework and avoid turning your back to the lit firework when moving away.
• Keep your pets indoors – fireworks can be extremely frightening to animals.

Fireworks Statistics

If you don’t follow proper safety precautions when using fireworks, serious damage can happen:

• 18,500 fires (on average) are started by fireworks each year
• In 2017, 8 people died & 12,000 were injured
  • 50% of these injuries were to children & young adults (20 and under)
• Injuries by firework type:
  • 28% Sparkler
  • 16% Illegal Firecracker (under federal law)
  • 13% Small firecracker
  • 13% Reloadable shell
  • 9% Novelty
  • 6% Public display and roman candle
  • 3% Multiple tube, other rocket, and bottle rockets
  • 1% Fountain
• Most injured body parts
  • 28% Hands and fingers
  • 24% Legs
  • 19% Eyes
  • 15% Head, faces, and ears
  • 10% Trunks & other
  • 4% Arms

Source: CPSC.gov, NFPA.org, NSC.org

*Please be aware of your county and city laws – each have different laws for shooting off fireworks. It is illegal to shoot off fireworks in St. Louis County. They are permitted in Franklin, Jefferson, and St. Charles County, but not permitted in the city of St. Peters. Visit St. Louis Today for more information. 

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

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