Sparklers pose a safety risk, too – Fireworks tend to be most prevalent during the summertime. Elaborate pyrotechnic displays may be part of Independence Day celebrations or other special events. Individuals also may set off fireworks to light up the night skies for private parties.
Sparklers pose a safety risk, too
Although parents will warn children against going too close to fireworks, many do not share the same apprehension about sparklers. Sparklers are thin metal rods that have been dipped in a special, flammable pyrotechnic substance and allowed to dry. When lit, a sparkler will throw off, as the name implies, sparks of twinkling light until the sparkler is extinguished. Sparklers may seem safe for little hands, but like other fireworks, sparklers can be dangerous.
A sparkler can reach 3,662 F (2,000 C) when lit. That is 20 times the boiling point of water, a level of heat that is enough to melt steel. In fact, three sparklers burning together can generate the same amount of heat as a blow torch. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says roughly 240 people visit the emergency room every day in the month of July with fireworks-related injuries.
Common sense should prevail whenever anyone is handling sparklers. If children are allowed to hold sparklers, it should only be under close adult supervision. Other safety tips can help ensure events where sparklers are being used remain injury-free.
· Sparklers should be stored in cool, dry places until they are used.
· Leather gloves can protect hands while sparklers are being lit and held.
· Do not light and hold more than one sparkler at a time.
· Sparklers can stay hot for a while after they have been extinguished. Put the hot end down into a bucket of water when finished.
· Sparklers may not be legal where you live. Know the laws before purchasing sparklers or other fireworks.
· Children under the age of five should never be given sparklers to hold, nor should adults hold a lit sparkler while holding a baby. Glow sticks are safer alternatives for young kids.
· Hold sparklers at arms’ length to avoid burns.
· Do not bring sparklers to public events, as sparklers amid large crowds can pose a safety risk.
· Do not wave or run with lit sparklers.
Sparklers may seem like safe alternatives to more traditional fireworks. But it’s important to exercise caution with sparklers, especially when young children are nearby.
Do you have any other safety tips for sparklers that we can add? If so, feel free to share them in the comments below.
Check out these 4th of July / Independence Day related blog posts.
- 4th of July Finger Puzzle Printable
- A-Z of 4th of July
- America Bless God
- Blessed is the Nation
- Blue, All Things Blue
- By His Stripes We Are Healed
- Church Sign about Freedom is Not Free
- Enjoy a Safe & Happy Independence Day
- Festive facts for July 4th
- Firework Safety
- Fourth of July Poem/Acronym Printable
- Freedom in Christ
- Freedom is not Free
- God, Bible & The Nation
- In God We Trust
- In God We Trust – One Nation Under God
- If We Ever Forget Quote – Ronald Reagan
- Many Died For Our Freedom Jesus Died For Our Sins
- One Nation Under God
- Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag
- Red, All Things Red
- Quick & Easy Way To Cut Watermelon (Video)
- White, All Things White
- Why Independence Day is Celebrated on the 4th of July
Compliments of Metro Creative. TF157343 First published July 2, 2019. Last updated or republished July 2, 202.
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