New Yorkers Urged to Enjoy the Fourth of July But to Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and with that comes the fun and excitement of picnics, swimming, family gatherings and spectacular fireworks displays. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Ithaca firefighters and the town’s residents, the town has enough money to once again provide a community fireworks show. Binghamton residents can enjoy a local fireworks show after the Binghamton Mets game versus the Portland Sea Dogs.
Professional Fire Fighters Association President George Apgar told WBNG News, “Our [Ithaca fire department] members support various community activities and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Bringing the fireworks back to Ithaca was a natural fit. Our members are excited to support a community event that celebrates our nation’s history.”
Unfortunately, each year many people choose to set off their own fireworks, leading to serious injury and fires. Our Binghamton personal injury attorney ask all NY residents to follow the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Leave fireworks to the professionals.”
The CDC reports that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, contusions, lacerations, and foreign objects in the eye. According to a report issued last week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), from June 17 to July 17, 2011, on average 200 people went to the emergency room every day from fireworks-related injuries. Nearly 50% of the injuries were to the victims’ hands and fingers, 17% were to their eyes and 17% were to the head, face and ears. Of all the injuries, more than half were burns.
Further, 68% of the injuries were to males setting off firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, Roman candles and reloadable shells. Four people died from illegal and homemade fireworks in 2011, according to the CPSC.
The CPSC and the CDC join together in offering the following fireworks safety tips:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
- Keep water or a garden hose close by in the case of a fire.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Our Binghamton personal injury attorney support the CPSC and CDC in asking everyone to promote and support fireworks safety in your community. If you must use your own fireworks, please follow the CPSC safety guidelines.
If you are injured in a firework accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our Binghamton personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal rights.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today
Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, is a Binghamton accident and injury law firm that handles all types of personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases, including cases involving drunk-driving accidents, dog bites, hunting accidents, brain injuries, construction accidents, fall-down injuries and insurance settlements. The firm regularly employs accident reconstruction experts, investigators, photographers and economists to assist in evaluating and preparing personal injury cases.
For more information, call (800) Talk-Law or use the firm’s online contact form.
