July 1 2021 – As the holiday weekend approaches, the Florida Department of Health in Miami- Dade County urges residents to celebrate a safe Fourth of July and to use extreme caution with fireworks.
Thousands of firework-related injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms across the country each year. Most often those injured are children and teens while using consumer fireworks. If used improperly, fireworks can result in injury to the eyes, as well as varying degrees of burns on the skin, fires and even death. People can enjoy fireworks safely if they follow a few simple safety tips.
Additionally, there are year-round precautions individuals and parents can take to prevent potential injuries.
Be prepared:
•Know and follow all county and city fireworks laws for your area.
•Never use homemade and/or illegal fireworks.
•Clear away any dry vegetation and debris from the area before igniting any fireworks.
•Always have a water source, full bucket of water and/or fire- extinguisher, close at hand.
•Make sure your pets are indoors before you begin, to reduce the risk they will run loose or get injured. Animals have sensitive ears and can be frightened or stressed during a fireworks celebration.
While celebrating:
•Be sure those watching are at a safe distance from where fireworks are being ignited.
•Use safety eyewear, glasses or goggles, to protect your eyes while igniting fireworks.
•Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
•Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks.
•Sparklers should only be used under close adult supervision. While often considered a “safe” firework for the young, the tip of a
sparkler burns at 1,200 degrees or higher, which can cause third degree burns.
•If a firework does not light or fire, let it sit for at least 20 minutes then carefully place it in a bucket of water.
Clean up:
•Make sure fireworks are cold before handling and place all used fireworks into a bucket of water.
•Clean up all debris.
•Be sure matches, lighters and any unused fireworks are out of the sight and reach of children before, during and after your celebration.
Check with your local fire and police departments for guidance on permitted fireworks. Better yet, to avoid these risks, leave the celebratory fireworks to trained professionals.
On average, the number of reported fires in the U.S. is substantially higher on the July 4th holiday. It’s estimated that consumer fireworks account for almost half of these reported fires, more than any other potential cause. Protect your family, home and property from potential danger by being informed on the hazards posed by using consumer fireworks.
Take these simple steps before, during and after using consumer fireworks to help keep you, your family and pets healthy, and your celebration safe.
Finally, as with any activity involving hazardous equipment, keep all children under active supervision when they are near fireworks. Keep children in sight and within reach at all times, with your undivided attention focused on them. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where professionals handle them.
Remember to follow COVID-19 prevention measures as you celebrate the holiday.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
