Safety tips to have a blast on the Fourth
When you think of the 4th of July with family and friends you think about the sunshine, grilling, parades, and fireworks.
You’d think youngsters would be most endangered by fireworks, but it’s actually adults from age 25 to 44 who are most commonly injured. Take a moment to review a few safety tips as June is Fireworks Safety Month.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety both have a few safety tips to help you get through fireworks season without any injuries.
- Never relight fireworks that didn’t fully ignite.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks.
- Read all instructions and warnings before you begin.
- Keep water nearby.
- Light fireworks one at a time and move back as soon as the firework is lit.
- Don’t wear loose-fitting clothes while using fireworks.
- Do not drink alcohol when lighting fireworks.
- Light the fireworks away from buildings, vehicles, pets, and other people.
- Prevent fires by ensuring your fireworks are completely extinguished after they’re done burning.
- Make sure you are buying legal fireworks, and check with the laws in your area regarding fireworks.
Follow this advice to enjoy a safe holiday. Keep in mind that fireworks injuries put an average of 230 people in the emergency room every day during this time of year, and on average 50 percent of those injuries were burns. Minor injuries may be able to be treated at an urgent care clinic, but more serious burns and other types of injuries to your eyes, face, limbs, or torso may require a visit to the emergency room.
Fireworks Injury by Type:
| 20% | Firecrackers |
| 19% | Sparklers |
| 9% | Reloadable Shells |
| 6% | Novelties |
| 2% | Bottle Rockets |
| 2% | Multiple Tubes |
| 1% | Fountains |
| 31% | Unspecified |
| 4% | Public Display |
Use Fireworks Safety Month as an opportunity to discuss these guidelines with your children and neighbors, and have a safe, enjoyable Independence Day.
