![[Pic of Fireworks]](images/fire.gif)
Firework
Safety
True/False answers
1. - FALSE.
While most fireworks injuries do occur during the July 4th holiday,
many injuries also happen during Labor Day, New Years Eve, Christmas, and
Mardi Gras.
2. - FALSE.
Sparklers are the second highest cause of fireworks injuries that require
hospitalization. Most of these injuries occur among preschool-age children.
Sparklers are dangerous because they burn at a termperature hot enough
to melt gold (1,800 degrees F!)
3. - TRUE.
Most fireworks contain gunpowder which causes these devices to explode.
Class C fireworks (e.g. firecrackers) are legal in many states and contain
up to 50 mg. of gunpowder. Anything higher and the fireworks may be compared
to an explosive bomb.
4. - FALSE.
Because fireworks are unpredictable, injuries can occur even if the
person is careful or under supervision. The best way to avoid injury is
not to use fireworks.
5. - FALSE.
When it comes to fireworks, no one is safe! Prevent blindness estimates
that nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to bystanders.
6. - TRUE.
Men and boys are the most frequent users of fireworks. That's why four
out of every five fireworks injuries happen to males. Men between the ages
of 22-44 and boys ages 12-14 are the most common victims.
7. - FALSE.
Bottle Rockets are among the most dangerous fireworks available today.
They account for the majority of all fireworks injuries that lead to permanent
eye damage. Bottle Rockets can move as fast as 200 miles per hour, explode
in mid air, and fly in any direction.
8. - FALSE.
Homemade fireworks are often more hazardous. Those who make their own
fireworks tend to combine the chemicals from other devices to create a
bigger -- and more dangerous -- explosion.
9. - FALSE.
The cost of treating a fireworks injury far outweighs the cost of a
single fireworks package, which is $2.00. The average hospital emergency
room charges approximately $80 for one visit. This price does not include
the cost families must pay for possible permanent injury, physical therapy,
or blindness.
10. - FALSE and FALSE.
The answer depends on where you live. Only 11 states ban all types
of fireworks; six states allow sparklers and/or snakes; 29 including the
District of Columbia, allow class C fireworks; and two have no fireworks
laws at all. Fireworks are allowed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama,
and Florida.
USA CityLink - email: Citylink
- Tel.: (504) 898-2158 - FAX: (504) 892-8535.
Last revised: 101 | July 1, 1995. (By Carol Blake) Copyright (c) 1995,
USA CityLink.
Copyright (c) 1995, Blake
& Associates
Return
to Firework Safety!