Stay safe this summer. Learn common fireworks safety myths, prevent injuries, and know when to seek care to protect your family.
Published June 9, 2026
Contributed by: Stacy Cantale-Thomas, APRN-CNP / Burn Care
Fireworks Safety: What Every Family Should Know Before the Fourth of July
Fireworks are a fun part of summer. We see them on the Fourth of July, at festivals, ballgames, and family parties. But fireworks can also be very dangerous—even the small ones. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC), thousands of people get hurt each year by fireworks.
Stacy Cantale-Thomas, APRN-CNP and Burn Care Specialist at MetroHealth, shares a few safety tips that can help protect you and your family.
Myth #1: Sparklers Are Safe for Kids
Sparklers may look harmless, but they get extremely hot—up to 2,000 degrees. That’s hot enough to melt some metals.
They can burn skin in seconds. Even after the sparkle is gone, the metal stick stays hot and can cause burns.
Safer option: Use glow sticks instead.
If you do use sparklers:
- Always have an adult watch closely
- Light only one at a time
- Never light them in a group
“We’ve seen serious injuries when people light several sparklers at once,” says Cantale-Thomas. “The heat becomes much stronger and burns much faster. If a sparkler is dropped, tell children not to touch it and let an adult pick it up. Children often get hurt when they pick one up the wrong way.”
Myth #2: It’s Okay to Relight a Firework
A firework that does not go off is still dangerous. It may explode later.
Do not:
- Go near it
- Touch it
- Try to relight it
For larger fireworks, call your local fire department for help.
For smaller ones:
-
Follow the instructions from the manufacturer
- Wait a few minutes
- Soak firework in water before throwing it away
Many serious hand and face injuries happen from fireworks people thought were “duds.”
Also, be careful where you light fireworks. Dry areas and areas close to homes increase the risk of fire and injury. Keep water close by, like a garden hose or a bucket of water.
Myth #3: Bonfires and Grilling Are Always Safe
Fires can be dangerous if not handled carefully.
Remember:
- Never use gasoline or other liquids to start a fire
- Keep kids and pets far away
- Put fires out completely when done
-
Keep water close by, like a garden hose or a bucket of water
Even after a fire looks like it’s out, coals and embers can stay hot for hours.
Myth #4: A Burn Isn’t Serious Unless it Blisters
A burn may look small at first but get worse later. It can take 1 to 3 days for blisters to appear.
If you get a burn:
- Run cool water over it
- Remove rings, watches or tight items right away
- Take off clothing, socks and shoes that are close to the burn – they can trap heat
If the skin is not blistered:
- Use a gentle unscented lotion (like Aquaphor)
- Cover with clean, dry cloth.
If it blisters:
- Wash with soap and water
- Use antibiotic ointment
- Cover with a clean, dry cloth
- Seek medical care
Do NOT use:
- Ice
- Butter
- Oil
- Other household remedies
Get medical care if the burn is:
- Large
- Blistered or open
- On the face, hands, feet or near a joint
- Near the eyes
- In the genital area
Myth #5: Eye Injuries Can Wait
Eye injuries are always an emergency.
Fireworks can damage to your eyesight very quickly. Getting help right away can help save your vision.
If you hurt your eye:
- Do not rub it
- Do not try to remove anything
- Gently rinse with clean, cold water
- Go to the emergency department right away
When Should You Go to the Emergency Department?
Get medical help right away if a firework injury causes:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Vision changes
- Burns on the face, hands, feet or near a joint
- Blistered or open wounds
- Loss of feeling or movement
- Any serious injury to a child
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get checked.
Expert Burn Care Close to Home
Serious burns need special care. MetroHealth’s Comprehensive Burn Care Center treats more than 1,700 patients each year. It is one of only two burn centers in Ohio verified to care for both adults and children. To schedule an appointment, call 216-778-4095.
If a firework injury is serious or life-threatening, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
To schedule an appointment at MetroHealth’s Comprehensive Burn Care Center, call 216-778-4095.
Your Questions Answered
Are sparklers safe for children?
No. They can get very hot and cause serious burns.
What should I do if a firework doesn’t go off?
Do not relight it. Wait, then soak it in water before throwing it away. For large or professional fireworks, call the fire department.
When should I seek emergency care for a fireworks injury?
Get help right away for burns, eye injuries, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding or severe pain. If a child is hurt, always seek emergency care right away.
