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Child Firework Safety

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

Holidays, like New Years Eve and the Fourth of July, often mean celebrating with fireworks. However, fireworks are dangerous and if they are not handled properly, they can cause severe and devastating injuries to adults and children alike. The best way to prevent firework accidents is to never use fireworks at home and leave the displays to the professionals.

Fireworks are heavily regulated under federal, state, and local laws. In Illinois under the Pyrotechnic Use Act (PUA), all consumer fireworks are banned for sale, possession, and use. This includes fireworks that may be legal in other nearby states including firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles. A violation of PUA can result in up to one (1) year in prison and a $2500 fine. Federal law, under the Child Protection Act, also bans M-80’s, cherry bombs, silver salutes, and firecrackers with more than 50 milligrams of pyrotechnic composition. 

The current list of what is legal to use in Illinois is as follows: 

  • Sparklers
  • Some small cap guns
  • Snake or glow worm pellets
  • Smoke devices
  • Party poppers
  • Booby traps
  • Snappers
  • Trick matches
  • Cigarette loads
  • Auto burglar alarms 

If fireworks are legal in your area and you or a friend intend to use them around children, these safety tips can help keep you and your children safe:

  • Never allow children to play with fireworks-Fireworks of any type are just too dangerous for children. However, if you allow children to use sparklers, make sure they understand that they must keep them outside, and away from their clothing, body, and hair. Sparklers can reach a temperature of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold.
  • Don’t allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks-Even after a firework has exploded, it can still be extremely hot and reignite or explode.
  • Only use professional, legal fireworks-Never try to make your own and only use fireworks with a manufacturers label and directions for proper use.
  • Never light fireworks in your hands-Wear eye protection, light only from the ground, and never carry fireworks in your pockets as the friction could cause them to light.
  • Point fireworks away from homes, flammable substances, dry grass, bushes, and trees-The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to over 50,000 fires caused by fireworks yearly.
  • Light one firework at a time-Never light more than one firework at a time and never try to relight a dud.
  • Ensure all fireworks are extinguished before disposal-Soak all fireworks before throwing them away.
  • Expect that an accident will occur-Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby. 

If your child suffers a firework injury, immediately take them to a hospital. If they are burned, remove the clothing from that area. If they suffer an eye injury, do not allow them to rub their eyes, it can make the injury worse. Do not flush the eye with water, do not use any ointment, instead use a paper cup to cover the eye until they receive medical attention. 

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed safely, but accidents can still happen even with the best preparation. 

If your child has been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice. 

We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at 844 See Mike, we put People, First.

Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google.  Call 888-572-0176, e-mail us at michael@agrusslawfirm.com, or schedule meeting with us here. We’re here 24/7. 

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