Livingston Health Department Shares Fireworks Safety Tips, Urges Lawful Use and Precautions

LIVINGSTON, NJ — As the July 4 ^th holiday weekend continues, residents planning to use fireworks on their own are reminded that fireworks can be dangerous if not used properly. The Livingston Health Department (LHD) urges residents to practice fireworks safety by following New Jersey laws and taking precautions.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10,300 injuries occurred nationwide in 2022 due to fireworks. The most common injuries included burns to the hands, fingers, legs, and head, including to the eyes, face and ears.

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In addition to attending the township’s annual fireworks display or other public, professional fireworks shows, the LHD suggests considering safer alternatives to fireworks and sparklers, such as using glow sticks, bubbles, colored streamers or confetti poppers.

However, those who still decide to light fireworks this summer are urged to read all the directions carefully, use fireworks and sparklers legally, and follow these safety guidelines:

• Check the state law where you plan to use fireworks. New Jersey has laws that restrict the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. These can be found at nj.gov (search for “fireworks”).
  • In New Jersey, only non-aerial fireworks including hand-held and ground-based sparklers, poppers, and snappers can legally be sold and used.
    
• Children should never use fireworks. Make sure fireworks are stored out of children’s reach. Only adults should use fireworks.
  
• Follow the instructions to make sure your fireworks are properly stored.
  
• Take precautions when using sparklers, which can reach up to 2,000 degrees F. Hold sparklers away from your clothing, face, and hair. Do not let children hold sparklers.
  
• Do not attempt to make your own fireworks. Purchase legal fireworks that should include the name of the manufacturer, directions, and a warning.
  
• Use fireworks in an outdoor area that is away from buildings, cars, trees, etc. Never use fireworks of any kind indoors.
  
• If you are the one lighting fireworks, quickly move a safe distance away once a firework is lit. Do not stand over the firework when lighting it.
  
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from fireworks.
  • Pets may become frightened by the sound of fireworks, so it may be best to keep your pet indoors. Always supervise children around fireworks and at fireworks shows.
    
• Keep a hose or bucket of water near you and wear eye protection when setting off fireworks.
  
• Read all the directions and warnings before lighting any fireworks.
  
• Only light one firework at a time. Do not try to set off multiple fireworks at once.
  
• Never re-light a dud firework. It is possible the firework could still go off. Wait about 20 minutes and then pour water over the firework.
  
• Do not wear loose clothing when setting off fireworks.
  
• Do not put fireworks in your pocket, which can accidently set off a firework.
  
• After using fireworks, wait 20 minutes and then soak them in water before disposing of them. Follow any directions for the disposal of the fireworks you are using.

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