American Pyrotechnics Association Urges Fireworks Safety
Let’s start off right away, consumer fireworks are 100% illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Possession, use, or sale of fireworks of any kind is prohibited within state borders. It is also against state law to purchase fireworks in other states and transport them into Massachusetts.
However, our listening area includes New Hampshire and Rhode Island, where certain types of fireworks are legal and available to be purchased and used within those states.
We want to make sure listeners living in those areas where consumer fireworks are allowed, are using safety precautions this Independence Day weekend.
According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, due to industry safety education efforts and the ever-improving quality of its products, the fireworks-related injury rate is 56% lower than it was in 2000.
“While the number of fireworks-related injuries have declined significantly, this is not the time for consumers to be lax about safety,” said APA President, Michael Collar in a statement.
“With anticipated record-breaking use this Fourth of July, especially by families who may be purchasing fireworks for their first backyard celebration, we want to emphasize the importance of reading the instructions for use and following common sense safety tips when using backyard fireworks as well as obeying local fireworks laws.”
Consumer Fireworks Safety Tips
APA Safety Tips
- Discharge fireworks from a hard, flat, level surface.
- Never hold aerial or reloadable tube devices in your hand – they are safe when discharged from a hard, level surface but extremely dangerous when suspended in the air as there is no place for the energy to go but downward, which can cause severe injury.
- Never allow children to handle fireworks, even sparklers can be unsafe when not used properly.
- Always have a sober, responsible adult in charge of all fireworks activities.