CPSC Holds Annual Fireworks Safety Press Conference in Preparation for 4th of July

By Grant Law Office on June 27, 2011

As the much anticipated 4th of July weekend of family barbecues, parties and fireworks approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reminds everyone of the potential dangers fireworks pose and encourages celebrating safely with some important fireworks safety tips.

According to the CPSC 2010 Fireworks Annual Report, approximately 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments last year. Approximately 6,300 of those were treated between June 18 and July 18, 2010. More than half of these injuries were burns, though others included eye lacerations, foreign bodies in the eyes, and eye contusions. An estimated 40 percent of all fireworks-related injuries involved children 14 years old and younger. There were also three reported fireworks fatalities as well, which were caused by unsafe detonation, illegal home-made fireworks, and mischievous Roman candle use.

As the CPSC works to stop the sale and U.S. distribution of illegal fireworks from other countries, they encourage everyone to obey fireworks laws and regulations in their state. If you and your family will be including fireworks in your Georgia festivities this weekend, following these steps will ensure a safe and fun celebration:

1. Before buying or using fireworks, make sure they are legal.
2. Never allow young children to ignite or play with fireworks.
3. Do not buy fireworks that are packaged in brown paper. This usually indicates that they were professional displays and not for consumer use.
4. Never position yourself directly above fireworks when lighting them.
5. Always back away to a safe distance immediately after lighting any fireworks.
6. Never pick up or try to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly.
7. Never throw or direct fireworks towards another person or structure.
8. Always have a garden hose and/or a bucket of water at hand.
9. Never light or shoot off fireworks from within glass or metal containers.
10. Make sure to light fireworks one at a time.
11. Always douse fireworks with water after they have finished burning as throwing away finished fireworks, without dousing, may cause a trash fire.

To enjoy your 4th of July holiday, make sure you celebrate within the limits of Georgia law and practice fireworks safety. If you, or a loved one, has been injured by fireworks as the result of another’s negligence or recklessness, our knowledgeable Atlanta personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Wayne Grant, P.C., can help you hold at-fault parties accountable for your losses and damages. To learn more about getting the compensation you deserve, contact us today at 404-995-3955.