For hundreds of years, people have been using fireworks such as sparklers and firecrackers. It is probably safe to assume that most people have seen them displayed at some festive occasion—at least on television. Cities and towns often coordinate such shows for the July Fourth holiday. But they have also been held on New Year’s Eve and other celebratory holidays. During the many millennium celebrations, there were countless displays throughout the world.
But not all fireworks are alike. In fact, although they are both fireworks, there are significant differences between sparklers and firecrackers. Sparklers, which burn for up to a minute, produce a ball of sparks. Sometimes chemicals are added to create color. When lit, a sparkler burns from one end to the other—very much like a fast, sparking cigarette. It gives a bright, luminous light.
One should not be deceived by how harmless they may initially appear to be. Sparklers are able to become intensely hot. They may reach temperatures higher than one thousand degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures that are sufficiently hot to melt gold
On the other hand, firecrackers consist of black powder contained in a tight paper tube. At the end, there is a fuse. A firecracker is designed to cause an explosion.
Both sparklers and firecrackers have the potential to entertain. But, when they are misused or some type of mishap occurs, they have the ability to harm severely or kill. On average, every year, more than eight thousand people are treated at hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to fireworks. About fifty percent of these are burns involving the head, eyes or hands. There are also instances in which a fireworks accident has resulted in a profound loss of hearing and/or blindness. It has been estimated that one-third of such injuries to the eyes result in permanent blindness. Approximately seven percent of firework injuries require hospitalization. It has been estimated that in the U.S. the annual cost of fireworks related injuries is one hundred million dollars. But fireworks do not only hurt people, they harm buildings. They have triggered life-threatening fires.
In the case of injury, the teen should try to remain as calm as possible. Unless it is unmistakably apparent that the injury is mild and easily treated, it is probably best to seek emergency assistance. One should call an ambulance or proceed to a nearby hospital. Teens should never rub any creams or lotions into cuts or squirt them with any antibacterial sprays. One should not take any aspirin to reduce the pain. Aspirin thins the blood and increases bleeding and should not be used in adolescents less than eighteen years of age.
It is generally agreed that teens should not handle fireworks. In fact, many contend that fireworks should be off limits to anyone except trained professionals.
Yet, professionals are not the only people hurt by fireworks. Bystanders may also be harmed. Probably because they are more likely to be engaged in risky behavior, males, particularly those between the ages of ten and fourteen, are more at risk than females. And close to half of those injured from fireworks are under the age of nineteen.
Despite the laws and recommendations, since fireworks are legal in many states, teens do attempt to set off their own. So it is important to be familiar with some general safety rules. Most crucial, teens should stay away from the fireworks that are known to cause the most serious injury such as Class B fireworks, which are federally banned from public sale. These illegal fireworks cause a little less than a third of all fireworks injuries. Still, it should always be remembered that all fireworks are inherently dangerous. Class C fireworks, which are legally available, cause about two-thirds of the injuries. Thus, most injuries are a result of legal fireworks
Under no circumstances should children and teens under the age of fourteen use any fireworks. It is simply too dangerous. When dealing with fireworks, adult supervision should be considered mandatory. All fireworks should be purchased from reputable dealers. All legally obtained fireworks should have a label that lists the name, the manufacturer’s name and the instructions for use. Instructions should not be bypassed, and warnings should be heeded. They should be followed diligently. One should never think of using fireworks inside a home or commercial building; they must be lit outside, on a flat surface, away from any buildings, flammable materials dry grass or trees. Also fireworks should not be lit when they are in a container, particularly a container that may be glass or metal. Otherwise shrapnel may hit and injure the bystanders. All observers should be kept at a safe distance.
Water should be nearby when using fireworks. At a minimum there should be one or two buckets of water nearby. Preferably, a water hose will be available. One should not attempt to re-use or relight any type of firework that malfunctions. They should be soaked in water and discarded. Teens should always wear protective eye gear. Loose clothing that may more easily catch fire should not be worn. For obvious reasons, teens should not light more than one firework at one time, and they should not walk around with fireworks in their pockets. One should never throw fireworks at another person.
Teens should read the directions for storing fireworks. Usually, these will indicate that fireworks should be kept in a cool, dry location in a closed box—away from any sources of potential ignition. But specific instructions may vary. One should always take the time to read them thoroughly.
It should be obvious to adolescents but NEVER attempt to make one’s own fireworks. There is a risk that they will explode while being made, and there is an increased risk that they will be made improperly. Such fireworks are more likely to malfunction. In addition, one should know that it is a felony to make an explosive devise. Such an action is punishable by prison or a fine. And one should not try to take fireworks apart to examine the contents or to mix them with any other substances.
When viewing a public display of fireworks, everyone should keep a safe distance and stay within the established safety barriers—usually at least one-quarter mile from the fireworks. The view is actually better from this location. While it rarely occurs, on occasion, an unexploded firework may fall to the ground. No one but the authorities should handle an unexploded firework.
And when attending a public display of fireworks, it is best to leave one’s dogs at home. The ears of dogs are quite sensitive to noises, and the noise from fireworks may be uncomfortable for them.
Remember that fireworks are not toys. While they may be used for adolescents’ enjoyment, they have caused many to suffer serious, permanent harm and others to die. Still, millions of people have safely enjoyed them. How? They have watched displays organized by professionals in the field. And they always remain at a safe distance. Without a doubt, that is the best way.
Related topics:
Accidents, risk-taking
