Happy New Year! What to know before using fireworks
With New Year’s Eve celebrations here, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is once again reminding residents that fireworks can also be dangerous if not used properly.
Each year, preventable injuries and fires occur because of improper handling, illegal devices, or lack of supervision.
Fire officials say a little preparation and awareness can go a long way toward keeping celebrations safe for everyone. So here we go again.
About 1,700 of those injuries required emergency medical treatment, including many caused by sparklers—often mistakenly considered harmless.
What’s legal in Miami-Dade
Not all fireworks are legal in Miami-Dade. Fireworks that explode, detonate or launch into the air are illegal and dangerous.
Miami-Dade residents are urged to buy fireworks only from approved vendors and to carefully read and follow all manufacturer instructions.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue recommends the following steps to keep celebrations safe:
- Use fireworks outdoors only, on a driveway or paved surface.
- Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from homes, vehicles, trees, and flammable objects and flammable objects
- Never aim fireworks or sparklers at people, animals, or crowds
- Only adults should light fireworks, and only one at a time
- Move away quickly after lighting and keep a safe distance
- Never carry fireworks in pockets or light them in glass or metal containers.
- Never try to relight fireworks that don’t ignite
Be prepared for emergencies:
- Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, or ABC-rated fire extinguisher nearby
- Soak used fireworks in water before throwing them away to prevent trash fires
- Never handle fireworks while intoxicated
- If clothing catches fire, remember: Stop, Drop, and Roll—stop moving, drop to the ground, cover your face, and roll until the fire goes out.
If a fire, injury, or other emergency occurs, call 911 immediately.
For more information, residents can contact Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Media and Public Relations Bureau at 305-204-2526.
