NC video warns about unsafe use of fireworks; dummy is blown up during examples of what to avoid

ABERDEEN, N.C. (WNCN) — As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, officials all over North Carolina are reminding folks about the safe use of fireworks.

Essentially, all projectile-type fireworks are banned in North Carolina, but sparklers and some non-exploding fireworks are allowed.

With the state in near-drought conditions , officials are asking people not to set off fireworks. Many towns and cities are still going forward with their official fireworks displays for July 4th , however.

But officials are continuing to warn about all types of individual fireworks ahead of Independence Day.

“Every year, we see an alarming number of injuries and fires caused by the improper use
of fireworks,” said North Carolina Fire Marshal Brian Taylor.

On Tuesday, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey released a video created with the help of the Aberdeen Fire Department.

The video shows a dummy — possibly a female — holding a projectile firework, which then explodes in her hand. The video also shows the woman looking down on a firework as it explodes — and takes off her “dummy” head.

In another section of the video, a projectile firework is set off along a line to show what a direct hit in the face could cause. Later in the video, the dummy is again hit by a firework — but her head stays attached this time.

According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), every year, thousands
of people are injured while using fireworks. Many of these injuries are serious. In fact, in
2023 alone, fireworks caused eight deaths and over 9,000 injuries across the United
States.

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