Booze, barbecues, bright red, pure white, and regal blue, as well as firework displays, are all staples of any memorable Fourth of July celebration. It's one of the very few times a year when Americans feel impelled to light it up and see sparks fly, from fire crackers to bottle rockets.
Even though it's enjoyable, shooting firecrackers isn't the best way to commemorate our liberty, and it's even prohibited in some places. Before you ignite that firework and start practicing an unlicensed light show this year, consider this safety advice from professionals who can help you celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang while avoiding damage.
The Liberation of a Nation and the Rise of Firecrackers
John Adams wrote a letter to his wife Abigail on July 4, 1776, on Independence Day, saying, "I'm inclined to believe that this day would be remembered as the grand commemoration festival by future generations. It should be commemorated with theatrics, including performances, activities, and athletics, as well as weaponry, chimes, campfires, and light displays." Pyrotechnics have a strong legacy in our country.
There is a higher proportion of casualties on or around the 4th of July in the U.S than in any other festival across the globe.
Accidents Caused by Pyrotechnics
Kids, being naturally inquisitive, are the ones most likely to get hurt.
Kids, being naturally inquisitive, are the ones most likely to get hurt. It's also not surprising that teen guys are the most susceptible to be hurt. The youth are just daredevils and relish rolling the dice.
Minors under the age of 14 are the most common sufferers of firecracker fatalities. The limbs, hands, fingers, eyes, and face have always been the most commonly affected areas, with burns accounting for nearly half of all injuries.
Firework Displays, the Young Ones, and Responsible Adults
Since young kids are especially susceptible to harm, it implies that parents must never lose sight of their children, especially when they are alone with fireworks. Even relatively harmless sparklers, which, based on the current data from the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, were responsible for most of the accidents in children under the age of five.
The most critical thing we can get around for young individuals about Fourth of July preparedness is constant adult supervision. Have a responsible, dependable grownup who will keep their keen senses for them and their kids at the end of the joyous celebration. Have them read the instructions, examine the item, and assess what it is intended for and how it should be handled.
Inappropriate and Unauthorized Usage
You're literally playing with fire if you use fireworks irresponsibly, or if you use the ones unauthorized by state laws. Mishandling legal items, such as burning multiple sparklers at once, can result in catastrophic damage. Meanwhile, combining pyrotechnics and booze can result in serious harm, which is a blueprint for tragedy.
Almost every accident is connected with alcohol as you go into the adolescent and adult age groups. A majority of people have a penchant for going to the beaches, having a bunch of drinks, and setting off some fireworks, which isn't good.
And even though you can't purchase pyrotechnics in some areas because they're prohibited, it doesn't mean that you should go ahead and create one on your own.
You're dealing potentially with producing firecrackers on the level of an industrial blast when you try to make one without the proper knowledge for it. And dealing with a massive explosion force is not a great way to celebrate your freedom if you are bedridden right? You can have explosion types of injuries, such as shock damage — piercing wounds in which the fireworks are lodged in a body, if you're close to the center of tragedy, you can indeed harm yourself with massive homemade pyrotechnics, and they're all prohibited.
Prevention is Always the Best Course of Action
But the best part is that, when it is used right, pyrotechnics can be both safe and enjoyable. Despite the fact that pyrotechnics use has increased dramatically since 1976, the amount of casualties has declined substantially, due to enhanced quality control and consumer awareness.
Observe these safety precautions to commemorate your freedom in a safe manner:
Carefully take the time to read and understand the label guidelines and warnings on any firecrackers, and follow these simple tips:
- During pyrotechnic use, always have an adult in charge to prevent accidents. Never offer fireworks to little kids, yet never allow older children to be left unattended with pyrotechnics.
- Purchase your fireworks from reputable shops and sellers.
- Only ever use explosives outside.
- Have water constantly available and drench firecrackers and other pyrotechnics when you're through with them to ensure they're extinguished.
- Don't ever tinker with fireworks or produce your homemade one, and only light a few at a time.
- Never try to light a firework that did not go off. You might encounter one that is not up to the quality standards. Also, after 15 to 20 minutes, you can pour water on the faulty firecracker or dunk it in a pail of water.
- Put pyrotechnics in a dry location with cooler temperatures if you have some leftovers.
- Fireworks should be properly disposed of by immersing them in water and then burying them in your yard.
- Never direct pyrotechnics at other individuals or hurl any towards someone.
- Pyrotechnics should never be carried in your purse.
- Pyrotechnics should never be shot into window panes or any building.
- Safety goggles should always be worn by the user, and ensure that no person's body should ever be positioned over the pyrotechnics.
Whenever you flick that lighter or light up that firework, run over your safety checklist to ensure you're not causing any problems.
It is also a safe decision to contact your neighborhood's fire department to ensure that you are not violating any of the laws.
Last but not least, if you are still adamant about using fireworks, it may be better to watch the ones organized by professionals. You will have all the fun of witnessing a marvelous firework show while keeping you and your loved ones safe.
