June 30, 2010: CPSC Addresses Firework Safety
On June
29, 2010, in anticipation of Fourth of July celebrations The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission(CPSC), released a statement regarding firework
safety.
The press
release mentions that in 2009 there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency
room visits for injuries resulting from fireworks related incidents. CPSC
explains that most fireworks injuries occurred in people younger than 20 and in
many cases resulted in the loss of a limb.
The
article quotes Chairman Inez Tenenbaum who says "consumers need to heed our
warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal
fireworks, can be fatal,"recommending that consumers, "only
use legal fireworks and follow CPSC's tips to ensure your holiday remains festive and
safe." She states that during
the 30 days surrounding last
year's Independence Day holiday, there were nearly 6,000 reports of firework
related injuries.
The most
frequently reported injuries were burns and lacerations to the hands, the face
and the head, while more than half of the injuries during this time period were
related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.
CPSC says
that it is “working closely with our federal partners to enforce fireworks
regulations, protect our ports, prosecute
manufacturers and distributors of illegal explosives, and educate the
public about the risks associated with
fireworks, “ and insists that the
federalgovernment is committed to stopping the manufacture and sale of
illegal fireworks.
CPSC
offers the following advice to consumers who decide to purchase legal
fireworks:
-
Never
allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
-
Make
sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
-
Avoid
buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a
sign that the fireworks were made
for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
-
Adults
should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that
there are many injuries from
sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000
degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
-
Never
have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting
the fuse. Move back to a safe
distance immediately after lighting.
-
Never
try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
-
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
one item at a time then move back quickly.
-
Never
carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
-
After
fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty
of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
If you have been injured by a
recalled product and have questions about your legal options please contact our
firm toll free at 1- 877-934-6274. You can also request a Free Case Evaluation.
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg has been representing individuals injured by
defective products for over two decades.
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about our recent litigation efforts, please see Yaz and Yasmin
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