Fireworks Safety - Injury Law Blog http://injurylaw.labovick.com/articles/personal-injury-1/ en-us Copyright 2010 Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:20:11 -0500 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 08:16:21 -0500 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Happy Fourth of July - How to Avoid Injuries with Fireworks Happy Fourth of July!

On Independence Day we reflect and remember the people who paved the way for Americans to have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let's not forget about the sacrifices that were made for our gift of freedom.

Remember that freedom is a delicate balance. Throughout history, societies have given up their freedom to dictators. Our right to free speech, to assemble and most importantly to vote, is the guarantor of that freedom. Exercise your rights and remember to vote. Don't limit your vote to the presidential election. Vote in all the primary elections. Your community and your country deserve your participation. I have provided a link to several Florida Voters Registration Sites and Florida Supervisor of Elections websites at the end of this blog post.

As you celebrate today, we encourage you to be safe. According to reports, there were nearly, 10,000 injuries in 2007 related to fireworks. In Florida, reports claim 137 fires were started due to fireworks. Injuries and fires that are caused from using fireworks can be prevented, if people are cautious and pay attention to what they are doing. As a parent of three young children, I was surprised to learn that Sparklers have caused more injuries to children under age five than any other type of fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that  Sparklers burn at temperatures hot enough to melt some metals. If you are a parent or happen to see children handling Sparklers, make sure they are over the age of 12 and are doing so with Adult Supervision.

If you are purchasing fireworks, be sure that you are buying consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has safety warnings on legal fireworks packaging. Look for the CPSC label and read the warnings.


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We encourage you to follow these important Fireworks Safety tips:

Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, DO NOT USE THEM!
Always have a hose or buckets of water handy.
Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter them.
Never re-light a "DUD" firework (Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
Use common sense when using fireworks.
Spectators should keep a safe distance from the designated fireworks shooter and the designated shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
Only persons over age 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives!
Report illegal explosives to the Fire or Police Department in your community. 
                                                                                              National Council on Fireworks Safety

Fun Facts for July 4, 2008
2.5 million
In July 1776, the estimated number of people living in the newly independent nation.
Source: Historical Statistics of the United States: Colonial Times to 1970

304 million
The nation's population on this July Fourth.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division

Voters Registration Websites:
State of Florida Division of Elections
Florida Voter Registration and DMV,            Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections,
St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections,    Martin County Supervisor of Elections

]]> http://injurylaw.labovick.com/2008/07/articles/personal-injury-1/happy-fourth-of-july-how-to-avoid-injuries-with-fireworks/ http://injurylaw.labovick.com/2008/07/articles/personal-injury-1/happy-fourth-of-july-how-to-avoid-injuries-with-fireworks/ CPSCConsumer Product Safety CommissionFireworks SafetyFlorida Voters Registration InformationHow to Avoid Fireworks InjuriesLaw Firm NewsPersonal InjuryRegister to Vote Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:20:11 -0500 Brian F. LaBovick, Esq.