Fireworks Safety Tips

Updated March 24, 2026

Fireworks are a favored choice for celebrating many occasions. While they’re legal in many places for Independence Day, they also show up at other times – a win by your favorite sports team, concerts and more.

Fireworks can present serious hazards. Thousands of people are injured each year by fireworks badly enough to need medical attention, and most of those injuries could have been prevented. The most common injuries are burns to the hands, arms or face, and eye injuries.

Peter Mick, APRN in the Great Bend Campus Emergency Department, has tips to help you prevent injuries to yourself and those around you:

• Educate children about the dangers of fireworks.
• Fill a bucket of water and keep it near the area where you’re shooting off fireworks. It’s ideal to also have a fire extinguisher.
• Have a well-stocked first-aid kit handy.
• Choose a safe location that is away from houses or other objects that could catch fire.

• Closely supervise children around fireworks.
• Do not allow children to light fireworks.
• Maintain a safe distance from fireworks.
• Never shoot fireworks toward people.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks well before discarding. Do not place expended fireworks into a trash can.

If someone is burned by fireworks, the first step is to stop the burning process. That can look like extinguishing flames with a fire-retardant blanket or rolling on the ground. Then use cool – not cold or icy – water to help cool the burn. Remove any rings, bracelets or necklaces that are near the burned area. Cover the burn loosely with a clean cloth.

If blisters develop, do not pop them. Burn ointment may be applied to minor burns. These generally look red and swollen.

Eye injuries

If sparks or debris from fireworks get into your eyes, seek medical attention immediately. Also:

• Don’t rub your eyes.
• Don’t rinse your eyes.
• Don’t apply pressure to your eyes.
• Don’t remove objects stuck in the eye.

Burns on the hands, face or eyes should be evaluated by a medical professional. Many burns can be treated at an urgent care location. If the burn looks black, brown or white with leathery-looking skin, call 911 or head to the closest emergency department.

Specialists at The University of Kansas Health System provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care to adults and children with complex burns and wounds. Our multidisciplinary team at the Gene and Barbara Burnett Burn Center comprises board-certified plastic surgeons, general surgeons, internal medicine specialists, dermatologists, nurses, physical therapists and nutritionists, among other medical professionals.