On average, about 230 people go to the hosptial with fireworks-related injuries during the month surrounding the 4th of July. Half of those injuries are burns. Obviously, hands and fingers make up the majority of injured body parts (36%), followed by eyes (19%) and general head and face (19%).
Firecrackers are the most likely to injure you, followed closely by Sparklers (which can burn at 2,000 degrees, by the way).
Nine people died last year in eight separate fireworks injuries. Fireworks are fun. Fireworks are America. Fireworks also go boom.
In order to show everyone that fireworks go boom, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has put out a six-minute video wherein it really blows the hell out of some mannequins.
Honestly. This is some metal stuff right here:
You’re going to shoot off fireworks. Everyone is. It’s just a thing. But if you do, here are the CPSC’s tips for safety:
-Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
-Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
-Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
-Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
-Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
-Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
-Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
-Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
-Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
-After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
-Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Ok, legal says we’re good here.
[h/t gizmodo]