(WWJ) It’s an American summer tradition -- celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks.
With Independence Day on Sunday, many metro Detroiters will be shooting off fireworks to mark the occasion, but it’s important to remember to do so safely, Patty Davis with the Consumer Product Safety Commission says.
Under Michigan state law, Michiganders are allowed to light fireworks now until 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, meaning nights are about to get a lot noisier.
Davis tells WWJ there was a 50% increase in fireworks-related injuries in 2020, including 18 deaths and more than 15,000 injuries. Firecrackers and sparklers were the most common sources of fireworks injuries, according to Davis.
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"Many cities canceled their 4th of July public fireworks displays, due to the pandemic. That may have led consumers to decide that they were going to celebrate on their own, in their own backyards, in their own streets," Davis told WWJ.
She says it’s important to be prepared -- including a hose or bucket of water in case of a fire.
“Have that bucket of water nearby and you douse it so you don’t start a fire by a smoldering, burned firework after it goes off,” Davis said.
She also says people should never point a firework at somebody else, calling that “very dangerous.”
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Children should never be given fireworks, Davis says, including sparklers, which burn at up to 2,000 degrees.
“That’s as hot as a blow torch,” Davis said.
When lighting fireworks, Davis says people should do so one at a time and then move away quickly.
“Light those fireworks one at a time and then move away quickly and never try to relight a dud.”
With fireworks banned after 11:45 p.m., those in violation could face a $1,000 fine. More information on Michigan's fireworks law can be found on the state's website.
Other safety tips from the CPSC include never carrying them in your pocket or shooting them out of glass or metal containers, and dousing them in water before throwing them away to avoid a trash fire.