The Fourth of July may be past, but fireworks are still a part of many summer celebrations, barbecues, and parties. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 11,400 people suffered fireworks-related injuries last summer, and eight people lost their lives. While some accidents were caused by defective fireworks, others were accidents that could have been prevented with simple safety precautions.
If you’re still enjoying fireworks this summer, experienced Texas personal injury lawyers hope that you keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Make sure the fireworks you’re buying are legal in Texas, and buy them from an established, trustworthy vendor.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks. An adult should supervise children who are playing with sparklers, and an adult should always light the fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire. If conditions are particularly dry, avoid using fireworks – check your local news reports.
- If a firework doesn’t light, don’t try to relight it. Soak it in water and throw it away.
- Soak all used-up fireworks in water before throwing them away, so they do not start a fire in a trash bin.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person. Make sure that no part of your body or anyone else’s body is directly in the path that a firework’s sparks will take when it is lit. It is best to assign one adult to light fireworks while everyone else enjoys the show at a safe distance.
You can report illegal fireworks sales to local police or to the federal bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2622).