For ages, fireworks have been a popular type of entertainment, particularly during holidays such as Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, and other celebrations. Fireworks can be visually gorgeous and awe-inspiring, but they can also be quite deadly. In this post, we’ll talk about the safety of fireworks and what you should think about before setting them off.
Fireworks can cause serious injury and property damage. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there will be 15,600 fireworks-related injuries in 2020, with three fatalities. The majority of the injuries were addressed in emergency rooms in the month leading up to the Fourth of July. The commission also estimates that over 20,000 fires caused by fireworks resulted in eight deaths, 60 injuries, and $105 million in property damage in the United States.
Despite these dangers, fireworks are nonetheless popular. Most people enjoy fireworks safely by taking the appropriate precautions, such as properly storing and managing fireworks before and after they are lit. The following are some common safety precautions and advice to bear in mind:
Legal considerations: Check your local rules and regulations to ensure that fireworks are permitted, and only buy them from vendors who have a permit to sell them.
Proper handling: When lighting fireworks, always follow the manufacturer’s directions, point pyrotechnics away from people, animals, and property, and never light fireworks indoors or under any form of structure, including trees and bushes.
Wearing safety goggles, hearing protection, and gloves when handling fireworks is also strongly advised as a precaution.
Keep a pail of water or a hose nearby to put out any potential fires.
Supervision: Never leave children alone with fireworks unless they are closely supervised by an adult.
By following these principles, you can reduce the chance of injury and property damage while having a safe and enjoyable time.
Hand-held fireworks, ground fireworks, and aerial fireworks are all examples of different forms of fireworks. Hand-held and ground fireworks can both create sparks that can ignite clothing or cause minor burns, so stay your distance. The most deadly pyrotechnics are those that fall from the sky and ignite houses, trees, and other structures.
Other concerns linked with pyrotechnics include hearing damage caused by loud explosions, respiratory troubles caused by inhaling the smoke produced by fireworks, and psychological injury caused by worry and anxiety caused by the loudness.
Fireworks can potentially endanger animals. The loud boom of explosions can terrify animals, resulting in risky behaviour for both animals and humans. Animals may flee, hide, or become aggressive during fireworks displays. As a result, it is critical to confine your pets to an indoor room, play background noise such as music, and close the curtains when firing off fireworks.
Furthermore, pollution is another issue created by fireworks. Fireworks can emit dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere. Toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic compounds, including heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, may be present in the chemicals. The emission of these compounds may result in water and air pollution, which can harm human and animal health as well as environmental health.
Are fireworks safe? Finally, while fireworks are visually stunning, they are not necessarily safe. Fireworks can cause injuries, property damage, and pollution, as well as endangering wildlife. However, with adequate care and caution, it is possible to enjoy fireworks in a safe and responsible manner. Always prioritise safety by according to manufacturer instructions and keeping children away from fireworks. Have fun and stay safe!