In 2003, many hospitals kept a record of which fireworks injured how many people. The, known, firework that injured the most people were rockets.
Statistics from last year show that the amount of injured people were caused at family or private parties, this number was 598 people.
When fireworks are used, they are largely associated with loud, disturbing, unwanted noise, at any time. Where as, in the past, they were only known for celebrations and enjoyment. Many people due to disruption, from the light and noise now dislike them.
They were previously used on November 5th, Bonfire Night, and the 31st December, New-Year’s Eve. But now they are used to celebrate birthdays, other special occasions and personal celebrations.
Many people think of fireworks, as ‘legal’ explosions, that are used to annoy people and to attempt to hurt others.
Even though many people want fireworks to be made illegal, they are not! We should try to prevent more accidents, by following ‘The Firework Safety Code’. These are:
- Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
- Keep fireworks in a closed box.
- Follow instructions on each firework.
- Light them at arm length, with a taper.
- Stand well back.
- Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
- Never put fireworks in your pockets or throw them.
- Always supervise children around fireworks.
- Light sparklers one at a time, and wear gloves.
- Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Each of these points should be carefully followed, other wise, there is an accident that is waiting to happen, and probably will happen! Even though many people think these guidelines are very obvious, there are hundreds of people that don’t associate safety with fireworks!
They are even widely known to be used at football matches. Last year on the 29th November 2003, at a Wolverhampton Wanderers match, a season ticket holder, Mrs Butler was hit in the face by an exploding firework, as she took her seat at the Molineux ground. She was then rushed to hospital, where all she had was the wound cleaned up and stitches.
Now what do you feel about fireworks? Is that not enough to show you how dangerous fireworks really are?
