Portions of this blog article were provided by the National Safety Council
Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. It all adds up to fun with family and friends. But this holiday in particular can be dangerous for individuals who want to set off their own fireworks in celebration of our nation’s birthday.
Bashore Green Law Group wants you to celebrate safety this holiday week. Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries.
Additionally, fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Fireworks Safety Tips: If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks
Since many fireworks are legal to purchase and use in Michigan, here are some safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show.
Sparklers Are Dangerous
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
If you or someone you know has been injured by fireworks this summer, the experienced Metro Detroit attorneys at Bashore Green Law Group can help. Call us at 248-487-1887 for a free consultation. We don’t get paid unless we help YOU get paid.