Did you know this about fireworks?
- The most recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report found that 15% of fireworks injuries were eye injuries.
- Children and young adults are frequent victims.
- Did you know sparklers can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at more than 2,000 degrees Farenheit.
- Did you know most people injured by fireworks (65%) were actually bystanders .
- All professionals and bystanders should wear eye protection that meets the criteria set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). (ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020: Current Standard for Safety Glasses – ANSI Blog)
- he best way to avoid a potentially blinding fireworks injury is by attending a professional, public fireworks show rather than purchasing fireworks for home use.
For those who decide to purchase and use consumer follow these safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: (Fireworks | CPSC.gov)
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- 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.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
