Risk factors associated with fireworks related injury:
(1) children or adolescents <= 15 years who are unsupervised by an adult
(2) trying to relight fireworks that did not ignite initially
(3) throwing fireworks
(4) holding a firecracker in the hand, especially close to the face
(5) bending over the top of a fireworks to light them (as opposed to approaching them from the side)
(6) malfunction of the fireworks (exploding early, misdirected, etc.)
(7) flammable materials including clothes that catch on fire
(8) exploding the fireworks in a glass or metal container
(9) carrying fireworks in a pocket
(10) running, jumping or horseplaying
Fireworks associated with serious injuries:
(1) homemade or altered device
(2) large, illegal firecrackers
(3) rockets
Risk minimizing behavior:
(1) Use only under direct, responsible adult supervision.
(2) Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
(3) Immerse any unexploded fireworks in water and then discarding.
(4) Practice fire safety, having water or a fire extinguisher on hand.
