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How to Prevent Fireworks Related Injuries

Contributor
By Robin Noelle
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Use caution when handling fireworks
Use caution when handling fireworks

Several people die and many thousands more are injured each year in fireworks related accidents. These accidents occur each year, mainly around the 4th of July and New Year's Eve. The majority of all fireworks accidents require hospitalization and most have to do with hands, fingers, faces and eyes. Burns and blindness are common. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe this year by preventing fireworks injuries.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    The easiest way to prevent injury and death from fireworks is to leave the fireworks displays to professionals. Take your family to a public display put on by trained fireworks handlers.

  2. Step 2

    Children are often innocent victims of fireworks. Bottle rockets, Roman candles and other projectiles can be unpredictable and fly into the crowd, harming children. Be extra careful when children are around and never aim fireworks at people or animals.

  3. Step 3

    Sparklers are dangerous. Sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and are the cause of many burns and eye injuries in small children. Do not let children under five handle sparklers or fireworks of any kind. Supervise older children closely.

  4. Step 4

    Choose an outside area far from flammable materials like housing, weeds, trees and grass. This will prevent accidental fires and injury.

  5. Step 5

    Never allow children to horseplay or run around fireworks. Sparklers and other fireworks can ignite clothing quickly.

  6. Step 6

    Do not approach or try to relight fireworks that have not gone off. Approaching fireworks that may be "duds" can lead to sudden explosions and injury.

  7. Step 7

    Place all fireworks on the ground when lighting. Never hold fireworks in your hand or place them in containers like bottles or cans.

  8. Step 8

    Do not use fireworks around flammable liquids or hazardous materials. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.

  9. Step 9

    Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Behave responsibly.

Tips & Warnings
  • If someone is injured from fireworks, call 911 immediately.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher and water nearby.
  • Do not buy illegal fireworks.
  • Check your local laws regarding types of fireworks allowed.
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