Independence Day is almost here—which means it’s time for backyard BBQs, red-white-and-blue everything, and of course… fireworks! While those dazzling explosions in the sky are a staple of the holiday, they’re also behind some less-than-festive stats.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 250 people end up in the ER each day in the month surrounding July 4th due to fireworks-related injuries. Most of those injuries involve the face, head, hands, and neck—yep, the parts we need the most and protect the least.
“Facial trauma is something we see more often than we’d like this time of year,” says Dr. Patrick J. Byrne, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). “Burns, eye injuries, vision and hearing issues—even permanent disfigurement. Many of these cases require complex surgery to restore both appearance and function.”
The message? Fireworks are awesome—until they’re not.
Before You Light That Fuse… Read These Safety Tips from the Experts at AAFPRS:
🎆 Leave the pyrotechnics to the pros
Watching a public show? Great! Lighting fireworks in your driveway? Not so great.
🧨 Sparklers are NOT harmless
They may look innocent, but sparklers burn at nearly 2,000°F. That’s hot enough to melt some metals—and definitely enough to hurt a kid (or adult).
💥 Don’t mess with duds
If a firework fails to launch, don’t try to relight it. Wait 20 minutes, soak it in water, and then toss it.
🚿 Keep water handy
Buckets, hoses—anything that can douse flames quickly should be within arm’s reach.
🚀 One at a time, people!
Lighting off multiple fireworks at once may sound like a good idea… until it’s not. Be patient. Light and back away.
If Something Does Go Boom Where It Shouldn’t…
In case of a fireworks-related injury—especially to the face or head—the AAFPRS strongly recommends seeing a board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon. These are the medical pros trained to handle both the function and appearance side of serious injuries.
💻 Find one near you at: www.aafprs.org/patient/finder/finder.cfm
Enjoy the sparkle—just skip the scars. Happy (and safe) 4th of July!
