Independence Day Safety

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in its 2016 Fireworks Annual Report, estimated that 11,100 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during 2016, were fireworks-related. Additionally, there were an estimated 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sprinklers and 400 with bottle rockets. Of those injuries, 7,600 fireworks-related injuries, or 68 percent, occurred between June 18, 2016 and July 18, 2016.

The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (31 percent), followed by head, face, and ears (20 percent); legs (18 percent); eyes (9 percent); and arms (8 percent). Of the fireworks-related injuries sustained, 61 percent were to males, and 39 percent were to females. Young adults ages 20 to 24 had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (4.9 injuries per 100,000 people). Children younger than 5 years of age had the second highest estimated rate (4.4 injuries per 100,000 people).

Because of the dangers involved in fireworks it is important to do everything you can do to ensure your own as well as other people’s safety. Here are some safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety to prevent fireworks injuries:

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save you alcohol for after the show.
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all fireworks activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
• Always have a bucket of water and connected water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

If you or a family member have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and would like to discuss your rights and options, our team at Oliver Law Firm is here to help. Our office is located just West of Exit 81 on I-49 in Rogers, Arkansas. Give us a call at 479-202-5200.

Oliver Law Firm is located at 3606 W. Southern Hills Blvd., Ste. 200, Rogers, AR 72734. We serve Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, Lowell, Bella Vista, Centerton, Decatur, Highfill, Cave Springs, Gravette, Pea Ridge, Fayetteville, Huntsville, Berryville, Eureka Springs and all of Arkansas.