Every year, about 10,000 people are rushed to the emergency room for fireworks injuries. Doctors treat thousands of patients who suffer a range of fireworks-related injuries, from cuts and bruises to damaged corneas, retinas, and ruptured eyeballs. Many people believe that consumer fireworks are safe. But here’s the explosive truth: Most injuries are caused by legal fireworks such as sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. To help reduce the number of potentially blinding fireworks accidents this holiday, we are sharing these tips:
• Wear protective eyewear when igniting fireworks:
We recommend that every household have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear. Stop by any hardware store and pick up some safety glasses for the entire family. If you need prescription safety glasses, see one of our optical staff to get those ordered.
• Don’t pick up duds and misfires:
Keep a hose and buckets of water on hand for duds and misfires. Soak the dud from a distance with a hose or a bucket of water. Pick it up with a shovel and fully submerge it in a bucket of water to ensure it’s safe for disposal.
• Keep a safe distance:
Bystanders are injured by fireworks as often as the operator.
• Supervise children closely:
Sparklers seem like harmless fun for the kids, but they are responsible for about 1,400 eye injuries each year. Even those tiny poppers or snappers can pose dangers.
• Celebrate with the pros:
The Fourth can be complete without using consumer fireworks. The safest way to view fireworks is to watch a professional show.