With Jacksonville about to celebrate July 4th I though this would be a good opportunity to talk about fireworks safety. Last year 40% of those involved in fireworks accidents were under age 15. 23% were under the age of 5.
The safest thing to do is to not light any fireworks at home. Go to a public display or watch it on television. If you do use them at home keep these safety tips in mind:
Children should never play with fireworks. Even sprinklers can reach 1,800 degrees.
Never try to make your own fireworks and buy only legal fireworks.
Never hold fireworks in your hand.
Never, ever relight a dud.
Don’t pick up pieces of fireworks after they have exploded. Some may still be lit.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket before putting them in the trash.
Even if you are at a public display I recommend you stay as far back as possible. I worked on a fireworks accident case where a teenage girl was injured when a professional fireworks company allowed spectators to get too close to the fireworks. As a result the girl suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her legs.