CPSC Warns of Fireworks Injuries Over Independence Day Weekend
With the Fourth of July just around the corner, several New Jersey residents have already begun celebrating with fireworks and other devices. While a patriotic spirit is to be encouraged, far too many citizens overlook safety when utilizing these potentially dangerous 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 lacerations, burns to the hands and face, loss of limbs, wrongful death, and fires.
Never allow children or young adults to use legal fireworks unsupervised and do not permit young children to tamper with or ignite fireworks or other devices. Consumers must also remember to never throw or point fireworks at another person. Please refer to the CPSC’s website for more consumer fireworks safety tips.
The New Jersey personal injury lawyers at Lependorf Silverstein want consumers to understand the importance of safety during the Fourth of July holiday. Take every necessary precaution to protect yourself and others from harm.
