Fireworks Injury Prevention
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 Learn more about AAP's recommendations for firework safety |
Each year thousands of people are treated in emergency departments for injuries from fireworks. The majority of injuries occur between mid-June and mid-July. Young adults and children under the age of 19 sustain nearly half of all firework-related injuries. Firework injuries commonly involve the hands, and often result in burns. Young children are at risk of firework injuries because of their curiosity of fireworks and lack of coordination to handle fireworks. This is why children should never play with or ignite fireworks.
For more information on how to prevention firework-related injuries, please visit:
-> California Programs
-> National Programs
-> International Programs
-> Related Materials and Publications
-> Best, Good, and Promising Practices
-> California Laws and Regulations
California Programs
- California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: Fireworks Program
- The California Fireworks Newswire
National Programs
- American Pyrotechnics Association
- CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Fireworks Injury Prevention
- FireSafety.gov
- National Council on Fireworks Safety
- National Fire Protection Association: Fireworks
- Prevent Blindness America: Preventing Eye Injuries from Fireworks
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Information Center
International Programs
- Canada Safety Council: Leave the Pyrotechnics to the Pros
- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: Firework Safety Advice – UK
Related Materials and Publications
- CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: Injuries Associated with Homemade Fireworks
- National Fire Protection Association: Fireworks Report [pdf, 653KB*]
- Nemours: KidsHealth- Fireworks Safety Article
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries and Enforcement Activities [pdf, 269KB*]
*PDF documents require Adobe Reader. Download Adobe Reader for free.
Best, Good, and Promising Practices for Fireworks Injury Prevention
- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Fireworks-Related Injuries to Children
- CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Fireworks Injury Prevention
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Best Practices: Fire and Burns Prevention
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Fireworks Information Center
California Laws and Regulations
The following links provides a brief description of relevant laws and regulations. For more information click on the provided link which will take you to leginfo.ca.gov, select the appropriate code type, enter the code number, and press search.
- California Health and Safety Code §12671: Restricts the sale, offer for sale, possession, storing, discharge, use, or transport of fireworks that are not registered
- California Health and Safety Code § 12672: Prohibits the sale of fireworks beyond June 28th through July 6th
- California Health and Safety Code § 12679: Prohibits the sale, use, or storing of fireworks within 100 feet of where gasoline or other flammable liquids are stored or dispensed
- California Health and Safety Code §12680: Prohibits placing, throwing, igniting, or discharging fireworks where injury can occur
- California Health and Safety Code §12685: Prohibits public fireworks display without a permit
- California Health and Safety Code §12686: Prohibits special effects fireworks without a pyrotechnic license
- California Health and Safety Code § 12687: Prohibits selling, giving, transferring, or delivering special effects fireworks without a pyrotechnic license
- California Health and Safety Code §12689(a): Prohibits selling, giving, or delivering dangerous fireworks to a minor
- California Health and Safety Code §12689(b): Prohibits selling, giving, or delivering fireworks to anyone under the age of 16
- The California Fireworks Newswire: What is Law in California
