By Cara Beth Lewis
With the Fourth of July weekend here, it is crucial to know and practice firework safety.
Check out this information from the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal:
(https://www.ncosfm.gov/injury-prevention/fire-prevention-education/fireworks)
Did You Know?
• In 2019, 149 people went to the emergency room for firework-related injuries in North Carolina.
• More than 9,000 people nationwide were treated for firework-related injuries, with 62 percent of them occurring during the month surrounding the 4th of July.
• Children under five years of age accounted for more than half of the total estimated injuries.
• Handheld sparklers can burn at a temperature of 1,200 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
• Half of the firework-related injuries seen at emergency rooms were extremities: hand, finger, or leg.
There are several lessons to be learned from the preceding facts.
• Handle fireworks with care.
• Fireworks are dangerous, especially when operated by someone inexperienced or under the influence.
• Keep children away from fireworks. The operator is not the only person who can be injured. Consider those around you.
• Fireworks and sparklers are powerful and dangerous!
• You can suffer serious injury if the 4th of July celebrations go wrong. Be cautious.
The best tip for firework safety is “Leave it to the professionals!”
We hope you stay safe this Fourth of July.
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