Fireworks Safety Tips: Quick Reminders for the 4th of July

Don't worry, we do it for everything. You know how you sit and read or watch the news about something that sounds horrible, but in the back of your mind you have the, "That will never happen to me, I'm a cautious person" mentality.

According to the Associated Press, reports from the Consumer Products Safety Commission estimated in 2005 that almost 11,000 people had accidents happen to them from fireworks. Most notably was the fact that not only were the wounds suffered to the hands, face and eyes, but almost half of the injuries happened to children that were under the age of 15.

OK, so you are as safe as can be you keep everyone out of harms way and no one gets hurt by the fireworks. That is great and you should be proud of yourself. Only other thing to be asked is how you controlled the fireworks to go up and straight down after you let them off. You may be wondering why, but according to the AP and reports from the National Fire Protection Association between 2000-2004 it was estimated that around 32,400 fires were started each year by fireworks.

So there are a few precautionary measures that need to take place so that thought of "That will never happen to me" will sound more concrete and not be by chance. One of the first things you can do is check out the consumerreports.org tips for safety during the holiday event in which there are a total of 15 that are given. Here are a few of those listed below;

All clear. Make sure everyone else is out of range before lighting fireworks.

Take precautions. Keep a bucket of water handy.

Let sleeping fireworks lie. Don't try to relight fireworks that don't ignite. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, then douse and soak them with water and throw them away.

Ear and eye guards. Consider wearing hearing protection for items that make noise, as well as eye protection.

Fast first aid. If you do get injured from fireworks, seek immediate medical help. For eye injuries, don't rub or apply pressure to the eye itself.

Although these may sound like common sense, reading all the tips from the Consumer Reports article would be the safe and smart thing to do.

Cincinnati Enquirer
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070630/LIFE/706300322/1079

Consumer Reports
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/fireworks-safety-tips-for-independence-day-6-06/overview/0606_fireworks-safety-tips-for-independence-day_ov.htm