The 4th of July is right around the corner and so are the dangers of fireworks. The #1 safety advice about fireworks is to leave them to the professionals. Get a blanket and some snacks and go to your local park to see the firework show. You will still get the memories with half the risk!
Each year fireworks cause an average of 18,000 fires. This includes house and vehicle fires. In 2017, 8 people died and over 12,000 injured from firework incidents.
If you do choose to use legal personal fireworks, here is a list to reduce the risk of injury:
Do not let children handle fireworks.
Never use fireworks while impaired.
Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
Always wear eye protection when handling fireworks.
Stay a safe distance away from lit fireworks.
Do not try to re-lite or handle a malfunctioning or faulty firework.
Have a bucket of water near the lighting area in case of fire.
Soak used and unused fireworks in water before discarding in the trash.
Never use illegal fireworks.
Sparklers can be just as dangerous. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees. They can quickly cause fires and burns to skin. Sparklers account for 25% of emergency room visits caused by firework injuries.
Pets
And a note for the safety of your pets, if your pet has a fear of loud noises, or if you are not sure if they do, lock them in a safe place away from windows where they cannot harm themselves if frightened. Play soothing music to block out the sounds.
Celebrate safely this 4th of July. If you have any questions about firework safety, STEP would be happy to help. Contact us at (270) 753-6529 to assist in your needs.
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