June is National Safety Month and is focused on reducing the leading causes of injury and death in our communities. Summer is known for many outdoor events, such as parties, parades, barbecues, swimming and fireworks!
As we head into the fourth of July holiday, it’s important to consider proper safety measures when observing and using fireworks.
“In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. Over two-thirds (67%) of injuries took place from June 16 to July 16. And while the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, an estimated 1,200 injuries were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.
Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires.”
Many fireworks are illegal in many states. If fireworks are legal in your area, please be sure to take the following safety precautions:
- Keep fireworks away from young children. Do not allow them to handle fireworks at all.
- Older children should use them under adult supervision.
- Do not use fireworks if you have been drinking or if you are impaired.
- Wear protective eye-wear when using fireworks.
- Never hold a lighted firework in your hand.
- Do not light fireworks indoors.
- Do not point or throw fireworks at another person or animal.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never light a firework in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish any unintended fires
- Do not use illegal fireworks
- Do not use fireworks if they are illegal in your area.
At Rescue-One, we care about your safety. Please exercise caution when using fireworks and if possible visit one of your local fireworks displays this fourth of July instead of lighting your own!
Happy Fourth of July and have a wonderful and SAFE summer!
Source: National Safety Council – Leave Fireworks to the Experts
