Thousands of fireworks sold in Michigan and Indiana have been recalled ahead of the 4th of July, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The fireworks in question are part of four separate recalls announced last week, according to the CPSC. The fireworks were recalled because they were "overloaded with pyrotechnics intended to produce an audible effect," which put them in violation of federal regulations and could result in a "greater than expected explosion" with a higher risk of burns and injury, officials said.
Anyone who purchased the recalled fireworks should stop using them immediately and contact the seller for a full refund, the CPSC said.
Grandma's Fireworks in West College Corner, Indiana, had the largest recall, with about 25,000 units of 18 different types of fireworks impacted. A full list of the recalled fireworks can be found here. Authorities said two boys, ages 8 and 12, were injured after finding the broken end of a "Talon" rocket and lighting it, resulting in the younger boy losing his hand. For more information, customers can contact Grandma's Fireworks at (765) 732-3866 or by emailing gmasheila@woh.rr.com and hannonc@aol.com.
Patriot Pyrotechnics in Sheridan, Michigan, had 22 kinds of fireworks recalled, totaling about 11,000 units, with specific product details and item numbers found here. No injuries had been reported from this recall, though authorities recommended contacting Bill's Fireworks at (6160) 537-1337 or by emailing fireworks@casair.net for more information.
Also in Michigan, GS Fireworks in Wyoming recalled about 260 units of 26 different kinds of fireworks, with specific products listed here. Customers can call GS Fireworks at (616) 304-8800 or email jewell.david@att.net for more information, according to the CPSC.
A fourth company, Keystone Fireworks based in Pennsylvania, recalled about 1,600 units of their "G-Force Fireworks," with specific product information listed here. More information on this recall can be found by calling Keystone at (717) 299-3180 or emailing info@keystonefireworks.com.
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Even fireworks that haven't been recalled still pose a risk for injury, with the CPSC warning that last year saw at least five deaths and an estimated 9,100 fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency rooms across the country.
About 62% of those injuries took place in month surrounding the 4th of July. Experts say you should make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and never use or make professional-grade fireworks. Never let young children play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers, and never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person and light fireworks one at a time, moving away from them quickly. Always keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a mishap or fire, and never try to relight malfunction fireworks - soak them in water and throw them away.
