Being safe this 4th of July
Written By RaDonna Ridner-Thurman / 06/30/2008 / 3 Comments
When I think of the 4th of July, I always think of fireworks. I am originally from a very small town in Tennessee and I have very fond memories of my family getting in the car and driving to South Pittsburgh, Tennessee, for the best selection of fireworks. My brother and I always got a little "mad money" from our parents to pick out our very own fireworks. We lived on a farm with lots of green space and my parents were always very careful when we lit the fireworks. You can be careful and still get hurt. I think we all know of someone who has been injured in one way or another by a firework.
 
The Anniston Star actually has a great article today about being safe with your fireworks this forth of July (http://www.annistonstar.com/as-index.htm). Apparently nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework related injuries in 2007. So if you are planning to fire off your own pyrotecnics, please read the precautions and be extra careful this weekend.
 
Comments
  1. I've never had anyone in our family be directly involved in a fireworks incident (knock on wood), but we have had a couple of close calls and I knew a guy in high school who had the top of one of his fingers blown off in a fireworks mishap.

    The thing to always remember about fireworks is that they contain real gunpowder and are real explosives. So many people tend to forget that and think because they are easy to buy and use they are totally safe. A rocket is a rocket, no matter how small it is, and fire is still just as destructive.
    Posted By: JenniferB | 06/30/2008
     
  2. I have never had anyone in my family injured in a fireworks incident either. The closest we have had was my burning my acryllic nail one night when I was about 16.

    We have had an accident however, due to fire and gasoline. My husband thought he was using kerosene, but was sadly mistaken. He spent two weeks in RMC in Anniston, and another two weeks recovering at home before he was able to return to full capacity. Fireworks (and fire in general) are so fun yet dangerous. We live on 3+ acres in Ohatchee and always have fireworks for the Fourth and New Year's, but my children are never allowed to do any on their own, other than sparklers on the front porch. If anyone feels uncomfortable doing their own, I know there are several fireworks shows in the area put on by professionals. That would be a way to celebrate our nation's independence without putting yourself in harm's way.
    Posted By: auburngirl79 | 06/30/2008
     
  3. When I was 6, we were at my grandparents' house (small town in Indiana) and all we had then were sparklers, bottle rockets that my Dad would light, and those black worm thingys. So I was holding a sparkler and I don't remember how but got that thing stuck under my arm - certainly doing something I was told not to do. I don't remember much but I do remember it REALLY hurting. So although the big ones are definitely a hazard just a reminder that the little ones can hurt too.
    Posted By: BrandiWR | 06/30/2008
     
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