Tips On The Safe Use And Handling Of Fireworks
July 4 is still over a month away, yet not a few anticipate its coming for it is on this day that they witness one of the most spectacular fireworks displays. Left in the hands of experts, the large pyrotechnic displays (which are controlled electronically) are surprisingly safe. The backyard fireworks, some of them legal and some not, are those that lead to emergency room visits - many for children with burns or severe eye injuries.
As would be expected, the most serious fireworks injuries (lost fingers and eyes, severe burns, and deafness) are caused by powerful, illegal fireworks, such as M-80s, cherry bombs, and ash cans. Bottle rockets are also illegal culprits. If the rocket explodes prematurely in the bottle, it can send shards of glass and metal flying at high speed toward bystanders. Eye injuries are a common result and often necessitate removal of the eye.
Before using fireworks of any kind, find out if they are legal in your area. In some areas, fireworks can only be sold to buyers 18 or older. In other cities, the sale and use of fireworks are restricted to special holidays. So if you decide to celebrate on your own, keep safety uppermost in your mind. To be safe:
- Only buy fireworks that bear the name of the manufacturer and bilingual instructions for the product’s safe use.
- Plan ahead and always follow the instructions to the letter.
- Don’t hold fireworks in your hand while you are lighting them. Instead, place them on the ground or on another flat surface. Aerial fireworks, such as Roman candles, must be buried to at least half their length.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry, secured place, away from kids and any possible ignition source.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Always use fireworks outdoors in an open space away from dry grass or leaves.
- Make sure that spectators and passersby remain at a safe distance.
- Light only one device at a time.
- When setting off fireworks, wear safety glasses (available at hardware stores), and never place your face or any other part of your body directly over the device.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose on hand for emergencies.
- If the device doesn’t seem to ignite, don’t stand over it or try to relight it, because it could go off at any time. Instead, douse it thoroughly with water.
- Never explode fireworks inside a container.
- If you think you see someone using illegal fireworks, call the police.
Countless other injuries are caused by fireworks that are legal in many areas. Ground spinners and sparklers pose a special risk because they appear to be safer than they really are. Do not throw sparklers or touch the burning tip, which can reach 538 degrees Celsius (1000 degrees Fahrenheit). The best way to dispose of sparklers is in a bucket of water; they can easily start fires when carelessly tossed away. Remember: only adults should set off fireworks.
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