Many of us are looking forward to the upcoming Fourth of July weekend as a time for celebrating U.S. independence and freedom with friends and family. Independence Day traditionally calls for cookouts, plenty of time by the pool or at the beach, and fireworks.
While it is one of the most exciting holidays, fireworks make the Fourth of July the most dangerous. The highest single-day emergency room visits in the U.S. happen on July 4 and 5, according to research from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). The most common types of fireworks-related injuries were heat burns (38%), followed by bruises and abrasions (19%) and cuts (15%).
Fireworks-related accidents accounted for 12 deaths and 10,000 injuries in 2019, with three-quarters of the fireworks injuries happening in June and July, according to the most recent data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
While not as big or loud as other fireworks, it is important to remember that sparklers are also dangerous. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees, a temperature that can melt some metals. Sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries, According to the National Fire Protection Association. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Let Experts Handle Fireworks
The National Safety Council (NSC) advises the public to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and to not use any fireworks at home. “They may be legal but they are not safe,” according to the NSC. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, like glow sticks and colorful silly string.
If you do choose to use fireworks, follow these tips from the CPSC:
- Never allow young children to play with or light fireworks.
- Always have an adult supervising activities involving fireworks.
- Back away from a firework immediately after lighting the fuse. Never place any part of your body over a firework when lighting it.
- Never relight or handle fireworks that did not ignite fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire. Douse used fireworks thoroughly with water before placing them in the garbage.
- Only purchase fireworks that are legal in your area and always follow local laws regarding fireworks.
You are literally playing with fire when you choose to use fireworks. Remember to keep safety a top priority and put family first when planning your holiday activities. Our team at Panter, Panter & Sampedro is here to help in the unfortunate event that you or someone you love is injured due to the negligence of another this weekend, or anytime throughout the year. Call us to set up a free consultation at (305) 662-6178.
Sources:
Desilver. (July 3, 2019) Hospital emergency rooms see boom in patients around the Fourth of July. Retrieved from:
https://pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/07/03/hospital-emergency-room-visits-fourth-of-july/
Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fireworks Information Center. Retrieved from:
https://cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
National Fire Protection Association. Retrieved from: https://nfpa.org/fireworks
National Safety Council. Leave Fireworks to the Experts. Retrieved from:
https://nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
