Fourth of July is a federal holiday in which every American celebrates to commemorate the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day is often associated with parades, carnivals, fairs, picnics, fireworks, family reunions, political speeches and many other traditions in the United States.
Independence day usually takes place in outdoors wherein family can host picnics and family reunions. Parades happen in the morning while firework displays occur in the evening at places such as parks, townsquares.
However, fireworks-related injuries and deaths are the main concern during the Fourth of July celebrations. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were reports of three fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 8,600 hospital emergency room treated injuries in 2010. Injuries to children were a major component of total fireworks-related injuries, with children under 15 years of age accounting for approximately 40 percent of the estimated injuries. Fifty-three percent of the estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries were individuals younger than 20 years of age.
Fourth of July is an important celebration that all of us, including the children should partake. In this way we can instill in them the importance of this day at an early age. Bringing our children outdoors is likewise very risky due to the dangers of fireworks-related accidents.
Fireworks and celebrations go together especially during Fourth of July. It is hard to imagine Independence Day without fireworks. Thus, to prevent the kids from being injured during this day, here are some safety tips from CPSC:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
For victims of fireworks-related accidents, call our free consultation hotline at (480)753-4534. As Arizona personal injury attorneys, we are ready to assist you in getting what you deserve.
