4th of July Fireworks Safety

The 4th of July is coming up, day after tomorrow, with the resultant celebration often involving alcohol for thee adults and fireworks for the children.

84% of emergency room visits involve the use of approved fireworks. Well, somebody is doing something wrong to send that many people for treatment. This totals as many as 15,000 people a year with injuries and more than just a few deaths.

Fireworks Safety Tips. If you’re going to use fireworks:

Fireworks are associated with serious injuries, including blindness, third degree burns and permanent scarring [3]. If you’re going to use fireworks, take preventive measures to reduce these risks.

* Don’t use fireworks and sparklers indoors.
* Obey local laws. If fireworks aren’t legal in your area, don’t use them. Not only are you breaking the law, but you run the risk of injury and, if you have children, aren’t setting a good example. Your children should look to you as a role model.
* Light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from homes, dry leaves and brush and flammable materials.
* Always have water, such as a garden hose or bucket, nearby.
* The adult lighting the fireworks should always wear eye protection.
* Fireworks and alcohol aren’t a safe combination. Just like a designated driver, have a designated shooter that hasn’t been drinking.
* Ensure that other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.


Another good site to visit for safety and fireworks statistics would be: Mom Logic

With the adults celebrating, especially with the coming Monday July 5th a holiday for some, alcohol may be flowing freely. Ensure people who are drinking at you house or event are not driving. Drunk drivers not only place people on the roadway at risk, but it greatly increases your liability as a home owner serving alcohol.

One last safety tip involves grilling. Take steps to ensure children are not playing around the grill. Years ago a buddy of mine had his 3 years old daughter get severely burned by grabbing a piece of hotdog off the grill which was slightly higher than her line of sight. Terrible thing hearing a baby scream with pain.

On that note,....have a Happy and Safe 4th of July.