CPSC Warns of Fireworks Injuries During Independence Day Weekend
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, several New Yorkers have already begun celebrating with fireworks and other devices. While having a patriotic spirit is not out of the question, far too many citizens disregard or overlook safety when using these potentially treacherous objects.
A new study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and approximately 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, throughout the 30 days near last year’s holiday, about 6,000 injuries involving fireworks were reported in which half of the injuries related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.
Consumers below the age of 20 are the most prone to fireworks injuries; however, the risk of serious injury or even death still exists for anyone within close proximity of fireworks or other pyrotechnics. Some common fireworks injuries and hazards include burns to the face, head and hands, lacerations, loss of limbs, residential fires and wrongful death.
Parental supervision is extremely important when legal fireworks are being used. Never allow young children to light or toy with fireworks, sparklers, or bottle rockets. It is also important to never throw or point fireworks at another person. Refer to the CPSC’s website for more important consumer fireworks safety tips.
At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, our New York personal injury attorneys cannot stress enough the significance of consumer safety during the Independence Day holiday. Take every necessary safety measure to help prevent injuries this Fourth of July.
