Summertime brings many families outdoors. It’s also the season of fireworks. Around 68% of the total fireworks-related injuries reported in 2016 happened around the 4th of July. Men accounted for 61% of fireworks injury patients. Children under the age of 15 made up 31% of injuries. How many of these incidents were preventable? The following safety measures can help you enjoy a legal, accident-free Independence Day celebration.
- Check the Laws in Your Area
Rules will vary from one community to the next. Make sure you know what you are allowed to use before planning your party. Keep the festivities legal so that you can avoid a confrontation with law enforcement, which can be made much worse if fireworks injuries are involved.
- Read the Instructions
Read through all the instructions on each fireworks product you buy. This will tell you how to safely setup and light fuses as well as what the product does, signs of damage, and how much space is required. Make sure you wear proper eyewear to protect your eyes and avoid injuries.
- Have a Designated Areas for Spectators
Have a designated place for spectators that’s clearly marked. This should be positioned beyond the reach of the largest fireworks you plan to set off. Advise parents to make sure their children remain within the designated safe zone.
- Do Not Re-Light Fireworks
If a firework fails, do not relight it. No one should approach it for at least 20 minutes. If it has not gone off after that time, carefully place it in a bucket of water before discarding.
- Douse Spent Fireworks with Water
All fireworks should be given adequate time to finish burning before handling. Place the burnt remains in water to ensure that no flame or heat remains. Once soaked, the firework can be thrown away.
Start your summer off right by scheduling your annual comprehensive eye exam. An ophthalmologist can help you keep your eyes in great condition so you can see all the colors of this year’s fireworks displays! Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians for an appointment today.
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