It’s always fun to see roadside fireworks stands pop up across the county. When they make their twice-a-year appearances, you know good times with family are on the way.
That’s why I’m reminding you about fireworks safety in this blog entry. The thrill of fireworks can also bring pain, and even death.
In 2014, the Consumer Product Safety Commission shared important info related to fireworks injuries from June 20 through July 20. Here’s what we learned.
On average, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July Fourth holiday. Of the fireworks injuries in 2014, 67 percent occurred during the month surrounding Independence Day. Nine people died due to eight fireworks-related incidents. In at least two incidents, the victims were not the users.
Follow these safety tips when you and your family enjoy fireworks this weekend:
- Never allow young 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 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.