Everyone loves the sight of soaring fireworks blasting off into that Fourth of July sky. Unfortunately, those bright colors come with some serious risks for injuries, especially when you’re trying to put on your own pyrotechnic show.
First of all, ALL consumer fireworks are banned in New York State (except for those who have a permit. For information on obtaining one, visit Regulations for Pyrotechnics Permits in New York State.) So anywhere in the state, and this obviously includes Long Island, the use of fireworks by those who do not have a permit is illegal.
Our Long Island personal injury attorneys understand that no everyone will be staying local for the Fourth of July. And for those of you who will be celebrating out of town with friends and family members, we’re encouraging your to be safe over the holiday. Fireworks can serve up some serious risks for accidents, injuries and even death.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there are roughly 200 people each and every day who land in the E.R. because of a firework-related injury during the month surrounding the Fourth of July holiday.
There are small (but important) moves you can make to help to eliminate the risks of injury. We’re encouraging everyone to read and share the following tips to help sure a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July:
-Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
-Never allow children to play with fireworks.
-Using fireworks indoors is dangerous. Make sure that they’re lit outside in an open area.
-Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them from glass or metal containers.
-Don’t purchase any fireworks that come in a brown paper bag. This is oftentimes a sign that they are either illegal or they are made for professional use only.
-Make sure that all firework activities are supervised by a competent adult at all times. This means a sober one, too. You should always have a designated shooter.
-When lighting off a firework, never place any part of your body directly over it. When it’s lit, you want to clear the area as quickly as possible.
-Keep fireworks in a closed box.
-Never go back to a lit firework.
-Make sure that there is always water nearby. You should keep a hose, a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
-When you are watching fireworks stand well back.
-Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
-Buy from reputable dealers and know the laws about what’s legal and illegal.
-Fireworks will frighten your pets, so keep your pets safely indoors.
Remember that all fireworks are dangerous. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers and Roman candles account for most firework injuries. Stay safe and enjoy a public fireworks show this Fourth.
If you or someone in your family has been injured or killed in an accident, contact Nicholas Rose to set up a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-877-313-ROSE (7673) today!
More Blog Entries:
Summer Child Injury Risks in New York, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, July 5, 2012
