“Here, hold this bottle rocket while I light it, then toss it in the air…” Do you remember hearing this as a young person? Bad idea.
As young people, maybe we weren’t always the safest at times with fireworks. Statistics show that every year people end up in the emergency room as a result of not taking the proper safety precautions with fireworks.
The Danger With Fireworks
In 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report that an estimated 11,100 people were taken to hospital for firework-related injuries. Of those people, children younger than 15 years old account for 31 percent of the estimated 2016 injuries.
Sparklers, surprisingly can get up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and account for a large portion of burns related to firework injuries as reported by the CPSC.
Firework sales reached an all-time high in 2016 according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA). Sales for display fireworks reached $345 million and $825 million for consumer fireworks, according to the APA.
Firework Safety Tips
Fireworks are a part of our nation’s history and culture and here to stay. So, let’s take some precautions this holiday and follow some tips outlined by the CPSC.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Happy Independence Day!
At Wooden Law Firm, we wish you a happy and safe Independence Day! Contact us for all your legal issues.