June is Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month

With this country gearing up to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on fireworks for celebrations this summer, Americans need to consider safety protocols that will keep them from being the next statistic.

There are over 9,000 injuries due to fireworks every year and summer festivities like the Fourth of July are sure to sneak up on us this year. With that in mind, the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges all of us to prepare for the safe use of fireworks this summer!

In order to avoid a devastating eye injury this summer, take note of these tips when using explosives.

Public Displays of Explosion

The National Safety Council advises everyone to skip the home fireworks and enjoy a public display for the major holidays this year. With pandemic protocols loosening and the ability for crowds to gather again, taking advantage of this opportunity is the safest way to enjoy fireworks this summer.

While the use of fireworks may be legal in some parts of the country, their legality does not equal safety. Not surprisingly, over half of all firework injuries that require medical treatment are to children and young adults under the age of 20.

Designate a Rule Enforcer Beforehand

If this demographic is in your care this summer, pay close attention to them and ensure they follow all the guidelines. This includes allowing only older children to use fireworks while still requiring close supervision of a responsible adult.

Obviously, fireworks do not mix well with alcohol and drug use. Therefore, make sure those handling any fireworks this summer have abstained from drinking alcoholic beverages or using drugs. This also applies to the responsible adult who is supervising the use of fireworks.

There are a handful of other precautions and warnings that should be heeded when handling fireworks including:

• Never hold fireworks in your hand while lighting them
• Light fireworks away from homes, people, and anything flammable—including dry brush
• If a firework does not ignite on the first try, consider it a dud and do not relight it
• Always wear protective eyewear when handling fireworks

This last fireworks eye safety guideline is the one that is most often ignored and leads to unnecessary eye injuries every year. For more on avoiding eye injuries from fireworks during summer festivities, call Palmetto Eye & Laser Center at 864-583-6381 or use our online contact form to submit your question today!