Posted on July 8, 2009 in latest news
Between June 22 and July 22 in 2007, about 6300 people received injuries due to fireworks in the U.S. Of these, more than 40% were children below 15 years of age.
Celebration time may call for fireworks. But it is also important to realize that fireworks can cause injuries and take safety measures to avoid those injuries. Children, especially, should be protected from firework related injuries.
What kind of injuries do fireworks cause?
- The main body parts which are prone to injuries from fireworks are the hands or fingers, legs, eyes, the head, face and ears.
- Most firework related injuries are burns. Burns commonly occur all over the body, but seldom in the head and the eyes. Contusions and lacerations are more common in the head and foreign particles in the eyes.
- Firework accidents may lead to blindness, third degree burns and permanent scarring.
- Fireworks may also results in fires in residential areas and motor vehicles.
Firework safety tips
- Do not let children play with fireworks nor let them light fireworks if it is illegal to do so in your region. In some places, fireworks are totally banned. Do not light fireworks if you stay in such areas.
- Even if it is legal to let children light fireworks in your region, do not let children below 12 years of age do so.
- If it is legal and you think it is OK for your child to light fireworks, always supervise him when he is lighting fireworks.
- It is preferable to have children enjoy fireworks from a distance. Ensure that children are at a safe distance when lighting fireworks.
- Use fireworks away from buildings. Use them outdoors only.
- Light fireworks on flat and smooth surfaces. See that there are no flammable materials like dead leaves around.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish small fires or treat burns.
- Never go near or try to re-light fireworks that failed to function. Wait for a few minutes and drop them in a bucket of water.
- Use fireworks as they are intended to be used.
- Everybody who is around fireworks should wear clothes made of synthetic material that do not catch fire. Avoid natural fibers like cotton.
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