Helping Burn Victims Achieve Justice

July 4 is our Independence Day, and we celebrate this day as our country’s true beginning as an independent nation.  For the past 234 years, we have marked this day with fireworks and other loud and fiery forms of celebration.

Unfortunately, these fireworks often lead to serious burn injury, especially in children.  Fireworks burn injury are no laughing matter, and can lead to serious, complicated, and life-changing child burn injury.

Here are some basic safety guidelines which may help keep your July 4 festivities fun and safe.

1. Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks
2. Only adults should handle fireworks
3. Read and follow all instructions with fireworks. All fireworks must carry a warning label that     contains necessary safety precautions.
4. Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks
5. Never place your face or any other part of your body over fireworks
6. Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak them with water and throw them away.  Another way to handle this is to toss it in a bucket of water (after soaking the dud with water first).
7. Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher hand
8. Only light fireworks on a smooth flat surface away from house, dry leaves and other flammable materials.
9. Never throw, point or shoot fireworks toward people, pets, buildings, or vehicles. Do not use fireworks in a wooded area, especially if the weather has been dry.
10. Never hold or get close to any lit fireworks
11. Loose clothing can catch fire, and therefore, should not be worn while handling fireworks
12. Never let children play with or handle sparklers. The temperature of the ignited tip can reach 1200 degrees F or greater.