As July 4th approaches many folks in the Rio Grande Valley will once again be out celebrating with fireworks. Unfortunately all across the country emergency care centers will be standing by for the inevitable fun night out that turns into a potential tragedy. In fact, it is likely that someone reading this article will be affected.
According to the Centers for Disease Control almost 10,000 people a year are treated for fire-work related injuries and another ten or more will die. One third of all injuries occur to children less than 15 years of age. About ½ of the injured are males under the age of twenty.
Injuries occur most commonly to the hands, eyes, face, and ears. Blindness, third degree burns, and scarring may occur even with treatment.
Firecrackers and bottle-rockets account for the majority of injuries except in small children where sparklers are the offender. Illegally obtained large professional firecrackers were responsible for 1/3 of deaths.
The best way to prevent fireworks injuries is to leave it to the professionals. It is much better to attend a professional fireworks show which is usually more spectacular than risk losing your life or that of a loved one at home.
Using fireworks at home is dangerous. Small children and fireworks are a bad combination. Curiosity may draw their face too close to the firework causing a facial burn or igniting their clothing. Bottle rockets may fly in unexpected directions causing permanent eye injuries or worse. Home made fireworks are unpredictable and are a leading cause of injury.
Remember that a bottle rocket that goes astray into a vehicle or home causing a fire can be considered a criminal act. More than $21 million dollars damage was done in this manner in 2004. Parents of minors can be held legally liable for the acts of their children in causing property damage or injury from fireworks.
Contempo recommends you check with your local city for the time and place of a professional fireworks display rather risking your family’s health.
In the video below you can see how dangerous illegal fireworks can be. Go to Contempo Magazine Home Page
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on Thursday, June 26th, 2008 at 03:35 and is filed under Uncategorized.
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