Thousands of people, many of them children suffer eye injuries from fireworks each year in the United States. Additionally, those injured by fireworks are not necessarily handling the fireworks themselves. Nearly half of those injured by fireworks are bystanders!
Please use these tips to safely enjoy fireworks and protect your eyes this 4th of July:
- Respect barriers at fireworks shows and view fireworks from at least 500 feet away
- Do not touch unexploded fireworks, instead, immediately contact your local fire or police department for help
- Never let young children play with fireworks, even sparklers
- People handling fireworks should wear protective eyewear that meets ANSI standards and ensure that all bystanders wear protective eyewear as well
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.
Please have a festive and safe 4th of July!