Michigan Personal Injury Blog - Fireworks

The Rockets' Red Glare, the Bombs Bursting in Air: Remember Firework Safety this Fourth of July

David Mittleman — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:45:22 GMT

As the Fourth of July holiday draws near, we are all excited about the glowing embers: in the sky, on the ground and in our hands. If you haven’t caught on yet, I’m referring to fireworks. Who doesn’t enjoy the festivity, excitement and fun that fireworks bring to the Fourth of July celebration? However, fireworks can cause serious burn or eye injuries if not used appropriately and correctly. In fact, the Center for Disease Control reported that in 2006 eleven people died and 9,200 were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Moreover, an estimated 5% of fireworks-related injuries required hospitalization.

The most common types of injuries associated with fireworks are injured eyes, hands, head, face, or ears. Burns are the most common injury to all the listed body parts except for the eyes and head area, where serious cuts and bruises on the face and foreign matter in the eyes are more common. Unfortunately, children are at the greatest risk for these injuries: one out of every three people injured in 2006 was under 15 years old. However, males were also three times more likely to sustain injuries than females and young people under twenty sustained 47% of all reported injuries.

Why do so many serious injuries occur? Most of the time it is because of a shear lack of experience, lack of physical coordination (especially in young children), disregard for safety precautions, or dangerous experimentation with fireworks. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following safety tips to keep your Fourth of July holiday fun and injury-free:

· Use fireworks outdoors only.

· Obey local laws, if fireworks are not legal where you live, don’t use them.

· Always have water handy.

· Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter or combine them.

· Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak dead fireworks in a bucket of water.

· Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from shooter fireworks and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

· Do not mix alcohol and fireworks—have a “designated” fireworks person.

· Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

· Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. If you do see someone using them, report them immediately to the local police or fire department. They can kill you!

So, enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, but remember, BE SAFE!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Safety Tips For Keeping Children Safe While Enjoying Fireworks

Devon Glass — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:57:09 GMT

It’s that time of year again. Friends and family gather around the barbeque for burgers and brats, beer and baseball. But as everyone knows, the 4 ^th of July is about Independence and, of course, the fireworks!

But with the big-bangs and dazzling colors, come fires and injuries. “Beware the rockets red glare,” should be the mantra that parents pass on to their children. And as always, Stop, Drop, and Roll in case anyone should have the misfortune of catching a-lite enjoying the fireworks.

Good ways to keep kids (and adults) safe this year include: (1) having a responsible adult handle the fireworks, (2) discuss the importance of firework safety with children, (3) be aware of the direction of the wind, (4) keep a garden hose near by, and (5) make sure to use legally sanctioned fireworks. Children should not play with fireworks, and any use of fireworks should be done by a responsible adult. Remember, children and fireworks do not mix!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Devon Glass

Fireworks Accidents and Injuries

Larry Buckfire — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:20:00 GMT

Virtually every July 4th celebration includes a fireworks show. These are either the big fireworks shows at cities, on lakes, or at local fairs or just the home use of smaller fireworks. These include firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, and other fun stuff that Americans light in backyards, parks, and in their neighborhoods. The tradition is great fun, but there are also a significant numer of serious accidents and injuries reported every year from these displays.

Prevention of fireworks accidents is essential and responsible adults need to take steps to protect children, other adults, and even themselves. Injuries occur when safety takes a backseat to excitement and entertainment. People injured due to a fireworks accident do have legal rights to be compensated if their injuries are the result of some form of negligence or recklessness by the person responsible for the show. Because injuries are often serious, including burn injuries, eye injuries, and brain injuries, the amount of settlements from these lawsuits can be significant. My firm is contacted every year just after the holiday to represent somebody injured by fireworks.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Larry Buckfire