Fireworks are enjoyed by so many, but there are also many unexpected incidents that can occur if they are not handled properly. I had the pleasure of speaking with a local fire fighter for Baldwin's Volunteer Department, Mr. Neal Hebert, and he gave me some great information and tips!
Practicing fireworks safety is crucial for everyone involved. You should make sure that there is always competent adult supervision when children are handling fireworks. Even sparklers aren't safe for children to handle. He told me that statistics show that out of eleven thousand firework injuries, nine hundred of them are from sparklers alone. You should enjoy your fireworks out in an open area away from all structures, and always have a bucket of water and a hose available. If you happen to light a firework that doesn't go off, you shouldn't approach it immediately. He said that it is best to wait and try to pop elsewhere for a period of time; even when you return for the un-popped firework, you should soak it in water before disposing of it. We also talked about pets and fireworks. He reminded us that pets need to be secured and away from the fireworks. They are going to already be scared with the noises going on, and they may run off or even run toward the firework if they are outside during the festivities.
We should make sure to follow all the instructions for the fireworks, and use them as they are intended. That's the best way to prevent injury. If however an injury does occur, most of them are burns and should be treated immediately with cool water or ice. If the injury is severe, he advised to seek immediate medical attention. You can easily lose track of time with all the fun with the family and friends, but remember to be mindful of the time because of your neighbors! I hope everyone has a safe, fun, and eventful 4th of July!
