Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks displays. But along with all the festivities are plenty of visits to emergency rooms – especially during July.
In the U.S.A. in 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related accidents.
First, we strongly recommend that you refrain from using fireworks and leave the displays to the professionals. That said, we realize that people like to enjoy the long-seated tradition of using them and celebrating our country’s freedom. So, here are a few safety tips for you and your family:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable materials.
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never light devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
Be smart. Stay safe! And best yet, leave the fireworks displays to the professionals.
Summer Safety Tips Series Articles
- Home Safety
- Fireworks
- Stay Safe when Swimming
- Surviving Hot Weather
- Reducing the Thread of Zika Virus and Other Mosquito-Borne Illnesses
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The Cleveland Police Foundation, in partnership with the Cleveland Division of Police and the Ohio Crime Prevention Association present these tips so citizens can help to make our community safer.