How to Ensure Safety Over 4th of July Weekend
The Electronic Security Association (ESA) offers tips on how individuals can keep July 4th celebrations safe.
IRVING, Texas – Like cookouts, baseball and time with friends and family, fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day celebrations. However, don’t let your guard down during the Fourth of July festivities.
Approximately 230 Americans go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries every day around the Independence Day holiday, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than half of those injuries were burns, with the majority of injuries afflicting the hands and fingers.
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The Electronic Security Association would like to wish you and yours a happy Independence Day and present you with a few pointers to keep your celebrations safe.
Know the local laws regarding fireworks in your area. Many municipalities have laws against the use of fireworks within city or town limits, while other regions may have bans on their use during times of intense drought.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activity. Parents may not realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals and surely hot enough to burn children.
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Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays. These fireworks could pose a danger to consumers who are not properly trained to handle commercial fireworks.
Never, under any circumstances, point or throw fireworks at another person. Such activity could lead to severe injury.
Avoid drinking alcohol when using fireworks. It is imperative to remain vigilant around fireworks and the use of alcohol may inhibit your ability to make good decisions and react quickly if necessary.
Keep a safe distance. 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.
Be prepared for anything. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Leave duds alone. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never carry fireworks in your pockets. An errant spark could lead to serious injury.
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