New Year’s Safety Reminder from the Belmont Fire Department

New Year’s celebrations are often associated with alcohol and fireworks. The Belmont Fire Department encourages everyone to enjoy fireworks only at public displays conducted by trained professionals. While some fireworks may be legal to purchase, they are not safe for home use.

We also ask everyone to celebrate responsibly. If you plan to drink, please use a designated driver or take advantage of one of the many rideshare apps available.

Every year, thousands of people suffer fireworks-related injuries serious enough to require medical treatment. Many of these injuries involve children and young adults. While most incidents are caused by amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or illegal fireworks, even small consumer fireworks—such as firecrackers and sparklers—can cause severe injuries.

In addition, fireworks are responsible for more than 31,000 fires each year.

Fireworks Safety Tips

If you choose to use legal consumer fireworks, follow these safety guidelines:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands
• Never light fireworks indoors
• Use fireworks only away from people, buildings, and flammable materials
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Light only one device at a time and move a safe distance away
• Never ignite fireworks inside a container
• Do not attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for several hours before disposal
• Keep a bucket of water nearby in case a fire starts or fireworks fail to ignite
• Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket, find a spot on the lawn, and let the professionals handle the fireworks show.

Sparklers Are More Dangerous Than You Think

Sparklers are often seen in the hands of young children at parades and festivals, but they pose serious risks. Sparklers burn at temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. They can easily ignite clothing, and children frequently suffer severe burns when sparklers are dropped.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers accounted for 29% of fireworks-related injuries among children under age 5 in 2022.

Consider safer alternatives such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colorful streamers.