Chicago Accident and Injury Lawyer Blog

Fourth of July and fireworks may seem to go hand-in-hand, but the hard truth is that fireworks are dangerous and can be deadly. A recent statement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hits home:

Consumers need to heed our warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal fireworks, can be fatal," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Only use legal fireworks and follow CPSC's tips to ensure your holiday remains festive and safe.

The attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll wish everyone a safe and fun Fourth of July weekend. Parents should not allow children to play with or light fireworks under any circumstances. According to the CDC, a third of individuals injured by fireworks are under the age of 15. Even sparklers pose a danger, since they burn at temperatures near 2,000 degrees. Never allow a small child to use sparklers unattended.

Here are some additional safety tips from the CPSC:

Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

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 fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.