Fireworks Safety

The Middletown Fire Department wishes all our residents and visitors a Happy 4th of July this year. We would also like to help prevent any accidental fires and injuries that may be caused by the improper use of Fireworks by sharing some important information from The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even deaths.

Fireworks Statistics from the NFPA

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries, and $36 million in direct property damage.
• In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks-related injuries; 57% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 37% were to the head. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.