Fireworks: How to Stay Safe this Summer
Fireworks: How to Stay Safe this Summer

Fireworks: How to Stay Safe this Summer

Scartelli Olszewski P.C.

Summer is here! Which means lots of food, fun, and fireworks. But every year, thousands of people are injured when they set off fireworks—turning a celebration into a life-changing tragedy. Despite the dangers fireworks pose, few people actually grasp the associated risks such as fires and burns, other serious bodily injuries, or even death. It’s important to always keep firework safety in mind while celebrating.Here’s a look at some statistics: according to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, more than 10,000 people each year are severely injured by fireworks. Although some of those incidents were due to attempting to use professional-grade, homemade, or other illegal fireworks, almost half of those injuries were experienced by children 14 years or younger from less powerful fireworks and sparklers. But these accidents are avoidable with the proper precautions and firework safety knowledge. So how do you keep yourself, and your family, safe? Here’s what experts have to say:

  • Never use illegal fireworks.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Never hold lit fireworks in your hands or light them indoors.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or ignite devices in a container.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse with plenty of water before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

 

Firework injury accidents are not only the result of illegal fireworks, they are often because of the negligence of those who make, sell, buy, and/or use them. If the unthinkable happens and you or a loved one is injured or killed because of a firework accident, it is critical to contact a personal injury attorney who has the resources and expertise to investigate your case. For a free consultation with our team at Scartelli Olszewski, call or message us today.

Sources:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2019-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf?La_ZzaoEeI_FXhMNJSoIyO8BhrBbcA4B

https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks