Playing With Fire

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that 230 people visit the emergency room, on average, for firework-related injuries in the summer months surrounding the 4th of July holiday.

The CPSC published their 2014 Fireworks Annual Report around this time last year detailing the statistics on firework related injuries. According to their report, in 2014, an estimated 10,500 firework related injuries required emergency medical treatment.  Fireworks caused house fires that claimed the lives of 4, and 7 people died from direct impact from fireworks.

Approximately 7,000 firework related injuries were recorded by hospitals all over the U.S. from June 20th-July 20th, 2014.

Sparklers, an iconic favorite for Independence Day, can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit! That is the same temperature as a blow torch, so it is recommend that parents use caution with sparklers around small children.

Firework Safety

The CPSC has a few tips to help you and your family celebrated the 4th of July a little safer this weekend. Help prevent firework related injuries and deaths by following these safety tips when handling fireworks.

  • 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 that 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 certain 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.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate our nation’s Independence. Practice firework safety to insure that you and your family have a great weekend!

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