With Summer finally here and July 4th around the corner it is time for swimming pools, BBQ and celebrating with some fireworks. Now as impressive as fireworks can be they can be dangerous if they are handled without care or used improperly. A report published from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2014 stated approximately 10,500 hospital treated injuries were related to fireworks with roughly 7,000 being in the months of June and July. Three quarters were male and one quarter female and roughly 19% of these injuries affected the eyes. We will go over some safety tips so you can enjoy your holiday without affecting your eyes.
Fireworks Safety Tips
- Do not let young children play with fireworks of any kind including sparklers
- If you are handling any fireworks make sure you are wearing protective eyewear that passes ANSI standards
- Do not touch fireworks that have not exploded or are duds and if possible let a professional pyrotechnician light the fireworks
- Make sure to keep water or a fire hydrant close by in case of emergencies
- If you go to a fireworks show make sure you are at least 500 feet away from where the fireworks are shot off
- If an accident occurs with a firework please do not rub or remove anything from your eyes or take any blood thinning medications due to increased bleeding such as aspirin or ibuprofen and seek emergency service immediately
Please enjoy your Summer safely and remember to always protect your eyes at all times. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule an eye exam please call (860) 233-2020 today.
