Why a ‘punk stick’ might make your 4th of July fireworks safer

A “punk stick” sounds like a weapon. It will protect you, just not how you imagine.

With so many big fireworks displays canceled this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, it’s highly likely more people will stage their own celebrations at home. Owning a punk stick could eliminate fireworks-related injuries.

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In 2016, the state legalized the use and sale of fireworks such as firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets, sky rockets, sparklers, smoke and punk, fountains, missiles, novelties, crackle and strobe, parachutes, wheels, spinners, sky flyers, display shells, and mortars.

Fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2019, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, with 73% of those happening from June 21 to July 21.

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So how does a punk stick help?

Punk sticks — made of bamboo and coated with compressed sawdust — resemble sticks of incense. They are long and burn slowly, with no open flame, making them safer around children. Because of their length, the user can maintain a safer distance from the explosive they’re trying to ignite.

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Punk sticks can be used to light sparklers for the children, or to light any fireworks that have a fuse.

Canceled Fourth of July festivities include: 

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