The National Safety Council has designated that July as “National Fireworks Safety Month,” since so many fireworks are lit up and fireworks shows performed for the Fourth of July weekend. The only other holiday where fireworks are common is New Year’s Eve.
As personal injury attorneys, you may want to send a message to your followers and potential clients of the dangers of fireworks-related injuries that can include burns, contusions, lacerations, foreign objects in the eye and even death.
How to distinguish between safe and potentially unsafe fireworks
The National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCES) recommends that people only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store, tent or stand and never from an individual. The latter may sell devices that contain illegal explosives or professional 1.3G fireworks that can cause serious injury.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates consumer fireworks. They are packaged in bright colors, have safety warnings on the package, and show the country of origin, which is usually China. The usual consumer products available include cones, sparklers, fountains, firecrackers, rockets and multi-tube aerial devices.
The NCES says, “Professional 1.3G fireworks are legal but only in the hands of a licensed, trained pyro-technician. These devices are very different than consumer fireworks, are extremely powerful and are not meant for consumer use.”
Potentially dangerous illegal fireworks are very often wrapped in brown paper or not packaged at all. Buyers probably won’t see a country of origin or any safety warnings. Such devices are frequently handmade in basements or illicit factories that do not have quality control in place. Common names for illegal fireworks include M-80, Quarter Stick or Cherry Bombs. Consumers should contact law enforcement authorities, if someone tries to sell them any of these.
How to protect yourself, your family and your friends from fireworks-related injuries.
The National Safety Council recommends the following precautions to prevent fireworks-related injuries to yourself, your family and your friends.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper, which often means they were made illegally or for professional displays and could be dangerous for consumers.
- Make sure you, your kids, and others watch fireworks displays from a safe distance.
- A designated shooter should prepare a shooting area, carefully read the label of each firework and understand exactly what the firework will do and refrain from consuming alcohol.
- Call 911 immediately if someone is injured from fireworks.
If you need assistance preparing an email, a social media post, or a blog on the subject of fireworks dangers and/or National Fireworks Safety Month, give us a call at Group Matrix. We can help you with any and all aspects of your personal injury marketing strategy.
Group Matrix Blog – June 25, 2018 – by Sharon Bowles
