Will extreme heat cause your unused fireworks to explode? Learn storage and safety here
With this extreme triple-digit heat, you may feel like you’re on fire but don’t worry, it’s not hot enough to actually ignite a spark.
With the Fourth of July right around the corner, people have been preparing to set off their own fireworks. We can expect a 101-degree day here in Fort Worth on Thursday, and until then, you will need to keep your fireworks stored properly.
Though these outside temperatures are scorching, they are not hot enough to set off a firework, so you don’t have to worry about these explosives wreaking havoc in your car or home. For the pyrotechnicsto set off, the gunpowder must reach 867 degrees Fahrenheit, which would never happen without a physical flame.
Isaac’s Moving and Storage suggests storing your fireworks in a cool and dry place with nothing flammable near them. For long-term storage, you should keep them in a metal or plastic storage container with a fire extinguisher nearby.
However, storing the fireworks is not the real safety concern, it’s actually setting off the dang things.
How to stay out of the hospital on July 4th
The four weeks leading up to the Fourth of July pose some of the busiest times in the emergency room. According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, 42% of 2023 hospital visits were burn-related. 800 people came in because of fireworks, while 700 came in for sparklers. The parts of the body most injured were fingers, hands, head, face and ears.
Children and teenagers are the people most at risk.
“Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 5-9 years old having the second highest rate,” said U.S. CPSC.
To prevent a hospital visit and bill, the U.S. CPSC suggests a few safety tips.
Never allow kids (9 and under) to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers (sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit).
Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer use, not professional use.
Do not use fireworks while partaking in alcohol or drugs.
Always keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
Light fireworks one at a time, and make sure to move back quickly.
Do not relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Instead, soak them with water and dispose of them.
Keep distance between you and the firework while lighting it, don’t have any body parts over it.
Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) towards anyone.
After fireworks complete their burning, soak the used polytechnic with water before disposing.