Safety Tips

Below are a few Safety tips - an email that was sent at work.

Nearly 11,000 people sought emergency room treatment for fireworks injuries in 2006, half of them were children according to the American College of Emergency Physicians.

One-third of fireworks injuries involve hands and fingers, while one-quarter involve the eyes.

The top three offenders were small firecrackers, fireworks rockets and SPRINKLERS.

Sprinklers? That might seem surprising until you consider that they reach temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparks can accidentally ignite clothing worn or produce serious bodily injuries when exposed to this kind of heat and flame. Be Extra Careful!

“Even when using sparklers at home, everyone needs to remember to use common sense when handling fireworks products! Most injuries seen at hospitals and emergency cares are associated with blindness, third-degree burns and permanent scarring.” Akron City Hospital

Here are some tips to help avoid injuries from fireworks:
· Have a portable extinguisher, hose or bucket of water nearby for emergencies.
· Use fireworks only outdoors.
· Use in a clear, clean open area.
· Stay far away from the fireworks; never put your head or parts of your body over the top of any fireworks product.
· Light only on product at a time.
· Wear safety glasses
· Always supervise children, even with sparklers.
· Use only authorized fireworks for your area.
· Take advantage of your community fireworks where professional are in control.

Carelessness is obviously a prime cause of fireworks injuries, even the most careful can face mishaps resulting from unpredictable occurrences like faulty firecrackers, premature or delayed explosions, errant flight paths and unexpected wind gusts.
Last but not least, fireworks caused an estimated 32,300 fires per year according to the National Fire Protection Association. Be considerate to your community and property. ENJOY BUT BE SAFE! HAPPY 4TH OF JULY