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Fireworks Safety: How to Enjoy the Show & Stay Safe

Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate the summer and create lasting memories. However, according to the 2018 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report, 9,100 fireworks-related injuries were treated in hospitals during the year, over half of which happened in July alone. A fifth of them were eye injuries. These are just the injuries that the CPSC knows about—many more go unreported or untreated. So how can we enjoy fireworks safely? Read on for some tips on how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe when using or viewing fireworks.


The Safest Way to Enjoy Fireworks
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is not to handle them at all, but rather to watch a professional fireworks show from a safe distance. If you do end up buying some fireworks of your own, make sure you follow these basic safety rules:
1. Obey local laws regarding firework use and storage. Some places may have ordinances restricting where and when you can legally launch fireworks; be sure you’re familiar with all applicable laws before buying any.
2. Make sure an adult is always present when lighting off any kind of firework--even sparklers! Sparklers reach temperatures as hot as 1200°F , so if a child is handling them unsupervised they could easily get burned or cause an accident. Always read the instructions on each firework package thoroughly and follow them carefully before lighting off anything.
3. Wear eye protection! Flying sparks and debris can cause severe damage to eyes if they’re not properly protected while launching fireworks, even if you’re standing at a safe distance away from the launch site. Always wear safety goggles or glasses while using any type of firework, even sparklers!  
4. Finally, never try to relight a “dud” firework--wait until it has cooled down completely before attempting to dispose of it safely! Duds can still explode unexpectedly if re-lit improperly or mishandled in any way!  

When Injuries Happen
Even when we do everything right, sometimes an injury will still happen due to mishandling of equipment or unforeseen circumstances such as wind direction changing suddenly during launch time . If an injury does occur, what we do next is very important--especially when it comes to eye injuries . Go straight to the emergency room for treatment . According to The American Academy of Ophthalmology , “fireworks are one of the most common causes of serious eye trauma in children especially during holiday periods” . The sooner the eye can be treated by medical professionals , the better the chances are for recovery . Even though some ocular damage may not be visible right away , there could be internal damage that requires immediate medical attention .


Fireworks can be fun and provide beautiful displays when used correctly and safely; however they should always be handled with care and caution due to their potential hazards . Following basic safety rules such as keeping kids supervised at all times while using any type of firework , wearing protective eyewear , obeying local laws regarding firework use , following instruction labels correctly , and avoiding tampering with malfunctioning equipment will help reduce your risk for injury drastically . Lastly, if an injury does occur make sure you seek medical attention immediately ! Prevention is key when it comes to enjoying this summertime activity safely !   Happy Fourth Of July !

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