When used carelessly or by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fireworks can quickly turn a celebration into a disaster. In 2005, there were five deaths in the United States from fireworks and 10,800 injuries associated with fireworks.*
Before handling or buying fireworks, find out what′s legal in your city or town. The police or fire department can give you specific information. In most states, fireworks are subject to restrictions. In California, for example, you must be eighteen to use or possess dangerous fireworks, including firecrackers, skyrockets, ground spinners, roman candles, sparklers longer than ten inches, any exploding device, and many others.“Safe and sane” fireworks (which include anything not classified as “dangerous”) may be used if you′re sixteen.
*U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Center of Disease Control & Prevention.
