As the Independence Day holiday draws near, it’s the perfect time to review the basics of fireworks safety. Every year, thousands of people suffer serious injury as the result of the misuse of fireworks. Often, these injuries are suffered by innocent bystanders who are burned or otherwise injured through the negligence of others.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the issues surrounding fireworks safety.
Fireworks injuries by the numbers
According to a 2016 study conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks cause more than 15,000 fires in the U.S. annually. Nearly 28-percent of these fires occur on Independence Day. In fact, nearly half of all fires that occur on July 4th are the result of fireworks misuse.
Young people are at particular risk from the dangers of fireworks misuse. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 35-percent of all emergency room admissions for fireworks injuries involve patients younger than 15. Nine percent are younger than five years of age.
Sparklers, while one of the most popular and least powerful fireworks, are also one of the most dangerous, as they represent 28-percent of all fireworks-related ER admissions. Firecrackers are responsible for the second largest number of ER admissions.
It should be noted that the only fireworks that are legal for personal use in the state of Connecticut are sparklers and fountains.
Basic safety measures
To protect you and your loved ones from serious fireworks-related injuries, please consider the following tips:
- Follow all local fireworks laws and ordinances
- Never mix fireworks and alcohol
- Wear the appropriate safety gear
- Never bring pets to fireworks displays
- Report any use of illegal fireworks immediately
- Opt for large public and professional fireworks displays rather than personal use
By following tips such as these, you can help minimize the odds of an injury occurring.
Finding an experienced legal partner
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury as the result of fireworks-related negligence, it’s important to find the right legal advocate. Personal injury cases can be quite complex, so it’s vitally important to find a local attorney who specializes in such cases.
The Brickley Law Firm has a long track record of representing Connecticut residents who have been injured through the negligence of others.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.