30 Jun 4th of July: Fun with a Side of Dangerous?
The 4th of July is a time for celebration of freedom and liberty! Every year, people all over the country celebrate America by using fireworks. As a known symbol of the 4th of July, fireworks have been used as a means of celebration for decades, ranging from backyard displays to city-sponsored spectacles. While they are a great way to show an appreciation of our freedom as a country, fireworks can be highly dangerous. In order to fully enjoy an event, it is wise to put the safety of all those involved first!
The following graph shows statistically from 2000-2008 how dangerous fireworks were.
Graph provided by Bad Firecracker
- Every year nearly 10,000 people are treated in emergency rooms with firework-related injuries. The estimated cost of these injuries exceeds $100 million annually!
- About 40% of all fireworks-related injuries occur due to the use of illegal fireworks banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Banned fireworks include cherry bombs, M-80’s, M-100’s, and silver salutes.
- Almost 45% of the injuries are incurred by kids under 14-years of age. About 72% of injuries are to males.
- Most firework injuries occur to the face (12%), eyes (17%), and hands (34%).
- Every year about 400 Americans lose sight in one or both eyes due to firework accidents.
- Fireworks contribute to about 20,000 fires annually, which on average injure 50 and kill 15 people.
How can you celebrate with fireworks safely? Because of the serious hazards associated with fireworks, State and Federal legislation have enacted tougher laws to enforce stricter use of fireworks. While the safest and easiest way to enjoy lighting up the sky is to leave it to the professionals, the following are some tips to keep you and your audience safe!
- Only adults should use fireworks! You should never allow young children to ignite or play with pyrotechnics such as sparklers, especially without adult supervision.
- Follow all state and federal laws. This link provides a list of updated laws for each state regarding firework displays.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of mishap such as fire.
- Use fireworks in clear, open areas, and always light fireworks on flat surfaces.
- Know how to handle firework duds! Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Once a firework is lit, keep your distance. Always back up to a safe distance after lighting it, and never light more than one at a time.
- After fireworks complete their burning and have cooled down for at least 15-20 minutes, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before throwing them away to prevent trash fires from occurring.
Here at Spivey Insurance Group we would like to wish you a happy and safe 4th of July! We hope everyone enjoys their long weekend. For information on firework displays and celebrations happening in the Charlotte, NC area use the following links: 4th of July Fireworks Across the Charlotte Region, Monroe NC July 4th Fireworks, and 4th of July in Charlotte.
For information on Charlotte NC Insurance, call Spivey Insurance today at 877-318-5951 to talk to one of helpful agents! For a free quote and information on all forms of North Carolina insurance visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
View this short message from Chris Spivey to you.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.