Fireworks Safety for New Year’s Eve
In preparation for this New Year’s Eve, Thomas J. Henry would like to remind everyone to be safe and responsible when using fireworks. It is important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous, especially when set off from home. Here are a few statistics and tips to consider if you plan to use fireworks this New Year’s Eve.
Firework Injury Statistics
Each year, thousands of individuals are injured by fireworks with the majority of these injuries occurring around New Year’s and the Fourth of July. In 2019 alone, an estimated 10,000 people were treated In U.S. hospital emergency rooms for firework-related injuries. This averages to an injury rate of 3.1 per 100,000 U.S. individuals
Men account for the vast majority of firework injuries, making up roughly 66 percent of individuals who received emergency room treatment, and children under the age of 15 accounted for 36 percent of individuals who suffered fireworks-related injuries.
When it comes to injury type, head and eye injuries were the most common type of injury suffered making up a combined total of 31 percent of all injuries suffered. This was followed by injuries to hands and fingers at 30 percent and leg injuries at 23 percent. An estimated 57 percent of all fireworks-related injuries were burn injuries.
How to Use Fireworks Safely
So now that we are aware of the injuries that occur, the next step is understanding how best to prevent firework-related injuries. Here are a few quick tips to consider if you plan to set off fireworks this New Year’s Eve.
- Closely monitor all children when setting of fireworks. Make sure they do not have access to fireworks outside of adult supervision and ensure they are at a safe distance from fireworks when they are being ignited.
- Never allow small children to ignite fireworks. Fireworks are dangerous. As such, young children should not be allowed to ignite any fireworks, even sparklers. Use good judgment when determining what fireworks your older children should be allowed to ignite.
- Keep water close by. Anytime you are using fireworks, you should have a bucket of water or a hose nearby to respond to any unintentional fires.
- Never point fireworks in the direction of another person. Fireworks can cause serious and disfiguring injuries if they strike a person and can cause vision loss if they strike a person in the eye. You should never point ANY firework at another person for any reason.
- Never try to relight a malfunctioning firework device. Fireworks contain volatile chemicals that can react in unexpected ways. If a firework appears to be malfunctioning, the safest option is to dispose of the firework. Do not try to relight the device if the first ignition failed.
- Be aware of your local laws, ordinances, and advisories. Depending on where you live, certain fireworks may be illegal or discouraged. You should always observe local law and ordinances and you should be aware of advisories such as high wind advisories, drought advisories, and burn bans.
Injured by Fireworks? Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you suffer an injury because of fireworks, you need to protect your rights and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Be sure to seek medical attention, follow the doctor’s orders, and keep the product. Then, call the office of Thomas J. Henry at 866-517-5659 to schedule a consultation today. Our attorneys have represented clients just like you who have suffered burn injuries due to fireworks.
