Don’t Let Your 4th of July Plans Backfire - NYC Health

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Recent Press Releases

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Don’t Let Your 4th of July Plans Backfire

In 2023, there were 36 fireworks-related emergency department visits compared to annual average of 33 between 2017-2022.

Firework injuries in New York City in 2023 increased from the prior year.

July 3, 2024 — As the Fourth of July approaches, the Health Department reminds all New Yorkers about the serious risks of fireworks. Across the country each year, more than 10,000 people visit emergency departments due to fireworks injuries. In New York City in 2023, nearly 40 people visited emergency departments due to fireworks injuries. Fireworks can cause severe burns and injuries to the eyes, head, face, hands, and more. Consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City.

“No one wants to spend the holiday in the emergency room with serious injuries from setting off amateur fireworks,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan. “New York City’s iconic July 4th fireworks displays are an experience known the world over – but technical experts build and detonate them. Protect your family and friends by leaving fireworks to the professionals.”

In 2023, there were 36 firework-related emergency department visits, compared with an annual average 33 from 2017 to 2022. In 2023, the days around the July 4th holiday accounted for two-thirds of all fireworks-related emergency department visits. In 2023, 72% of these visits were among males, and 31% were among people between the ages of 15–24 years old. However, firework-related ED visits occurred among all ages — from 1 to 69 years old. These figures are estimates based on NYC Health’s emergency department Syndromic Surveillance system.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Patrick Gallahue / Shari Logan

PressOffice@health.nyc.gov