Fireworks Safety Quiz

Take the True/False test below to see how much you really know about Fireworks Safety. Answers and explanations appear after the quiz.

1. Firework injuries can only occur during the Fourth of July.

2. Sparklers are safe fireworks and can be given to children.

3. Gunpowder is a major ingredient in most types of fireworks.

4. Only people who are careless or unsupervised are injured from fireworks.

5. Only people who set off fireworks risk injuries.

6. Males are more likely to get hurt from fireworks.

7. Bottle rockets are not dangerous because they're just firecrackers tied to a stick.

8. Homemade fireworks are safer than store bought fireworks.

9. Using fireworks is an inexpensive way to celebrate the Fourth of July.

10. My state bans fireworks.

Answers:

1. - FALSE.
While most fireworks injuries do occur during the July 4th holiday, many injuries also happen during Labor Day, New Years Eve, Christmas, and Mardi Gras.

2. - FALSE.
Sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries requiring hospitalization. Most injuries occur among preschool-age children. Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at 1,800 degrees F - which is hot enough to melt gold

3. -TRUE.
Most fireworks contain gunpowder which causes them to explode. While Class C fireworks (firecrackers) are legal in many states, they contain up to 50 mg. of gunpowder. Anything more could be compared with an explosive bomb.

4. - FALSE.
Fireworks are unpredictable, and injuries can occur even when being careful or under supervision. The best way to avoid injury is not to use fireworks.

5.- FALSE.
When it comes to fireworks, no one is safe! Prevent blindness estimates that nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.

6. - TRUE.
Men and boys are the most frequent users of fireworks. That's why four out of every five fireworks injuries happen to males. Men between the ages of 22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.

7. - FALSE.
Bottle Rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today. They account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent eye damage. Bottle Rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode in mid air, and fly in any direction.

8. - FALSE.
Homemade fireworks are often more hazardous. Those who make their own fireworks tend to combine the chemicals from other devices to create a bigger -- and more dangerous -- explosion.

9. - FALSE.
The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a single fireworks package, which is $2.00. The average hospital emergency room charges approximately $80 for one visit. This price does not include the cost families must pay for possible permanent injury, physical therapy, or blindness.

10.
The answer depends on where you live. Only 11 states ban all types of fireworks; six states allow sparklers and/or snakes; 29 including the District of Columbia, allow class C fireworks; and two have no fireworks laws at all. Fireworks are allowed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida.