Aside from grilling injuries each year, fireworks are not only an attraction for many celebrations but can also be a danger to guests.
Advertisement
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Firework injuries can be severe, and even in New Jersey where fireworks are illegal, several people are injured or killed yearly from irresponsible use.
“That’s pretty realistic of what I’ve seen in the past”, said LAFD spokesman Cody Weireter of the simulated injury.
– Be sure to know what is legal in your state, too.
From 2009-2013, USA fire departments responded to a total of 18,500 fires caused by fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Agency.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal reports in 2014 47 percent of injuries occurred on July 4 and 34 percent of injuries were to the face and eyes. Even sparklers can be unsafe in the hands of a child younger than 12.
But, there is more than firework safety to be concerned about.
A demonstration staged by the fire department shows how a sparkler, which parents often give their children, can cause a severe burn to flesh in a matter of moments. “A bottle rocket on a shake roof would ignite a fire very rapidly”, he said.
Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks. Each year, thousands of adults and children are treated at hospitals across the United States for serious burns, amputations, and other significant injuries resulting from the use of illegal fireworks.
Using fireworks inappropriately doesn’t just cause immediate harm, it can also affect others.
Clearly, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is through public displays conducted by professionals. Never try to relight a dud. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
“Keep anyone watching a safe distance away from where you are shooting off the fireworks and never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any firework item”.
Sparklers may seem innocent, Chartier explained, but they can burn at 1,200 degrees, hotter than a piece of wood catching fire in a fireplace.
Advertisement
Additionally, the association never explored whether the increase in pounds of fireworks sold is due to individual consumers or city-level purchasers.
