Summer is synonymous with barbecues, parades and fireworks. EYEcenter joins the National Safety Council in advising everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.Â
Consider the following facts:
- In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents
- Additionally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires
- Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children can receive severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet
- Fireworks can cause chemical and thermal burns, corneal abrasions and retinal detachment — all of which can cause permanent eye damage and vision loss.
We know the fun is tempting. If you choose to light fireworks at home, we urge you to follow these safety measures to keep your family (end their eyes!) safe this 4th of July:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
If you choose to light fireworks at home, be sure to follow the recommended safety measures.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
- Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
At EYEcenter Optometric, we put your family's needs first. Talk to us about how we can help you maintain healthy vision. Call us today: 916-727-6518 or book an appointment online to see one of our Citrus Heights eye doctors.
Want to Learn More? Read on!
FOLLOW US:
