Fireworks light up our Independence Day celebrations, bringing together friends, family, and neighbors to marvel at the spectacle. We also need to recognize the risks that come with this festive tradition. Fireworks are responsible for nearly 10,000 injuries annually, with burns and eye damage being the most commonly seen by our burn injury lawyers. By exercising caution and adhering to safety guidelines, you can enjoy the Fourth of July while minimizing potential dangers.
These five safety tips can help you protect yourself and your loved ones this summer from needing a burn injury lawyer.
Ensure you’re only using fireworks approved by your state or local government. Illegal or homemade fireworks can malfunction, leading to unpredictable explosions or fires. Purchase products from licensed dealers and avoid improvised devices — in some areas, fireworks for personal use are prohibited. Pay attention to local regulations as well as any drought-related bans in your area.
In many locations, say Denver, many fireworks are illegal for use, and in those cases that a burn injury lawyer will oversee, there are many things we’re able to do for our clients. Other locations like Sioux Falls South Dakota there are loser restrictions on fireworks in your area. So be sure to know what’s considered a legal firework in your area.
Choose a spacious, clear area away from buildings, vehicles, trees, and dry grass. Fireworks should only be ignited on fire-resistant surfaces, such as concrete. Always have a water hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher on standby in case of emergencies.
In many cases we see the lack of a “safe area” fireworks are likely to burn the area around them if mishandled, having simple safety measures will allow for a better experience.
Children are particularly at risk for firework-related injuries, even when using seemingly safe items like sparklers. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2,000°F, hot enough to melt metal. Never permit unsupervised handling of fireworks, and make sure children stay at a safe distance during displays to avoid a severe burn injury.
While we’re on the subject, be mindful of your pets as well — many dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks. Try to keep them in a secure and, if possible, sound-proof location for the evening.
Carefully read and follow all of the safety instructions on the packaging. Never attempt to modify fireworks or relight duds. If a firework fails to ignite, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in water to ensure it’s extinguished. Handling faulty fireworks is a leading cause of injuries.
After lighting a firework, immediately move to a safe distance. Spectators should stay at least 50 feet away from the launch site. Keeping a comfortable distance provides a buffer against unexpected malfunctions.
Celebrations should be memorable for the right reasons, not marred by injuries or accidents. If you or someone you love has been wrongfully injured in a fireworks mishap due to human negligence or defective products, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your case.
Stay safe and enjoy a spectacular Fourth of July!
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