SafetyIssues Personal and Public Safety News Articles: Warning: Consumer Fireworks Can Be Lethal

Warning: Consumer Fireworks Can Be Lethal
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Staff writer for SafetyIssues on 07/03/09 02:28:00
 
Fireworks are explosives. It seems that because the scintillating shapes and
colors they make in the sky are so fascinating, people tend to forget fireworks
for what they are: explosives, not toys.
Even the so-called “safe and sane” Class C fireworks, such as sparklers, are
inherently dangerous. Sparkler tips reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees — hot
enough to cause severe burns or set children’s clothes on fire. In fact, many
fireworks-related injuries come from burns on the hands or fingers caused by
sparklers.
Despite the dangers, many adults continue to let children and teens light
fireworks without supervision.
Close to 10,000 people across the country get treatment for injuries related to
fireworks use each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Nearly half of those (48.9 percent) are young people under 18 years.
All of these injuries are preventable. People just need to use their common
sense and observe safety precautions.
Other risks related to fireworks:
* Consumer fireworks are illegal in many states. However, a problem may arise
when these explosives are legal in the neighboring state and people cross over
the border to buy them.
* Fireworks should be used only on your property or on the property of a person
who has allowed their use on his or her property.
* Many adults drink alcohol and light fireworks. It is not necessary to be
intoxicated to enjoy fireworks, but such people apparently do not think so.
About 3 cases in 20 fireworks-related injuries are associated with alcohol use
by the injured parties.
* Parents should realize that they can be liable for any fireworks-related
damages their children may cause. This may include the cost of suppressing fires
caused by fireworks.
Safety Tips:
* Make sure all children are under adult supervision when using sparklers.
* Show children the proper way to hold sparklers: at arm’s length and away
from the body.
* Instruct children never to throw sparklers. Have a bucket of water nearby and
throw spent sparklers into it.
* Teach children to remain standing still while holding sparklers; they should
not wave sparklers or run around with it.
* Never sit down while using sparklers.
* Light or hold only one sparkler at a time.
* Never give a burning sparkler to another person.
* Stay at least two arms’ length away from another person while holding a
lighted sparkler.
* Consider attending professional fireworks displays instead.