Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day. Virtually every small and sizeable town or city across the U.S. puts on some sort of firework show on the Fourth of July. And in many places its still legal for consumers to purchase and set off their own fireworks, which is a thrill to kids, and kids-at-heart everywhere. Fireworks are full of mystique. They are enchantingly named; "Whistling Moon Traveler," "Ground Blooming Flower" and seductively packaged, and there's nothing quite like the suspense of watching a firework after it has been lit to see just what sort of show it will put on, what colors, what shapes, what sounds! It's no wonder we persist in being so enamored with these flammable forms of entertainment, in spite of the fact that they are incredibly dangerous...
...So dangerous, in fact, that it is estimated as many as 200 people in the U.S. enter hospital emergency rooms every day during the entire month of July due to firework-related injuries! And sparklers, seemingly the most innocuous of fireworks, the ones we readily hand to small children to wave through the air, can reach blow torch-caliber temperatures of 2,000 degrees; hot enough to melt metal. The most commonly injured body parts? Hands and fingers, by a long shot; almost half of all injuries occur here due to fireworks going off prematurely, or because consumers insist on holding fireworks that are meant to be placed on the ground often just for the thrill of doing so. Eyes, faces, and ears are also vulnerable.
Common sense goes a long way in ensuring everyone stays safe during firework season. In addition to simply using your head (to avoid setting it on fire), keep these firework Do's and Don'ts in mind:
Firework Safety - DON'T:
- Ever pick up and try to re-light a firework that has not ignited properly and appears to be a "dud."
- Purchase fireworks packaged in plain brown paper; these are often intended for use in large-scale, professional displays, and are too dangerous for the average front yard party.
- Keep fireworks in your pockets.
- Aim or throw fireworks at other people.
Firework Safety - DO:
- Check your local laws to see what firworks are legal
- Back several feet away from fireworks immediately after lighting them.
- Keep a hose or bucket of water close at hand while setting off fireworks.
- Make sure an adult is always present when fireworks are lit and that children are closely supervised.
- Light only one firework at a time.
When your Fourth of July celebration is over, make sure to douse all spent fireworks with water before tossing them in the garbage. This will help to prevent a fire and ensure that your home, like all of your fingers, will stay in one piece so you'll have a fun place to celebrate again next year.
Call or contact Richard B. Ryon Insurance today with any insurance questions.