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Summer is finally here. For many of us, fireworks are as much a part of summer as BBQs and days at the pool. Unfortunately, every year, thousands of people see their fun summer evening turn dangerous because of the improper or unsafe use of fireworks.

According to the National Safety Council, in 2016, more than 11,000 people were injured from fireworks badly enough that they required medical attention. Sadly, 4 people died. [1]

The image below from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission [2] shows where most of the firework injuries occur on the body:

Fireworks injury image

Fortunately, planning for firework safety can eliminate many of the needless injuries that plague the month surrounding the July 4th holiday. This list below is from ConsumerSafety.org. [3] It outlines a handful of things you can do to keep your kids and loved ones safe this summer.

  • Children should never be allowed to handle fireworks.
  • When lighting fireworks, put on safety glasses to protect the eyes.
  • Only use fireworks outside in an open area.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby at all times to soak duds with, and do not try to relight them.
  • Don’t light fireworks in any type of container, and never carry them in a pocket, because the friction of movement can cause them to light.
  • Keep a first aid kit handy, and if serious injury is suffered, seek medical attention.
  • Perhaps most important, never mix alcohol and fireworks.

Finally, take a look at the video below from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. [4] It includes a number of interesting demonstrations that might surprise you on how quickly fireworks can cause injury, and the real extent of potential injuries:

Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Safety 2017 from 4media Group on Vimeo.

 

Resources:

  1. https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
  2. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
  3. https://www.consumersafety.org/news/products/national-fireworks-safety-month/
  4. https://vimeo.com/223356581#embed