Personal Injury Law

Fireworks Safety Tips and the Fourth of July

By Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.

We hope that you have a Happy and safe Fourth of July this year. 

In an effort to promote Consumer Safety we would like to share a few important facts and safety tips for handling Fireworks from the CPSC:

•  Read and follow all warnings and instructions
•  Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
•  Keep other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
•  Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and 
   flammable materials.
•  Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
•  Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.

The National Fire Protection Association cites the following statistics:

In 2008, across the country 7,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries. 40 percent of the injuries involved kids.
Over half of the injuries were burns to the arms, legs and hands.
One out of five of the injuries nvolved hot debris hitting people's eyes.

Palm Beach County, Deputy Fire Marshall, Jeff Collins sums it up perfectly in a recent interview with the Sun Sentinel:

"Your best bet is to let the professionals handle the fireworks". 

Last year, Managing Partner, Brian LaBovick, wrote a wonderful post on How to Avoid Injuries with Fireworks and  the importance of the Fourth of July.  Enjoy reading the post.

Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of July.

Full post as published by LaBovick Injury Law Blog on July 02, 2009 (boomark / email).