When Celebrating, Make Sure You Are Safe
Fireworks are a traditional means of celebrating the 4th of July. Each year around this holiday thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.
Fireworks Can Be Dangerous
Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks of using them. Common injuries include burns to the hands and arms and fireworks are the cause of 40% of the fires reported during this period.
• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children under 10.
• In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2012 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 31% were to the head.
Source: NFPA’s Fireworks Report, by John R. Hall, Jr., June 2013
Source: NFPA’s Fireworks Fact Sheet, Fire Analysis and Research Division, June 2014
Let the Professionals Handle the Fireworks
It is the recommendation of the National Fire Prevention Association that only professionals handle fireworks. Their advice is ….
• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
• After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
If you do choose to handle fireworks on your own then certain safety measures should be taken.
• No children should ever handle any type of fireworks without close adult supervision. See chart on sparklers.
• Only adults should light fireworks and all others should remain a safe distance away. Fireworks that are supposed to launch can be very unpredictable.
• Store fireworks in a cool location away from any residence.
Have Fun, But Be Safe
Enjoy the holiday, but be safe. Our suggestion is to go to one of the many Fourth of July fireworks displays put on by professionals and leave the pyrotechnics to others.
To learn where some of the best fireworks displays are in our area, go to Best Indiana Fireworks Displays.
Have Questions?
The Mitchell Agency team is happy to answer any of your insurance related questions. To reach us go to Contact Us.