Happy Fourth of July: Ohio firework safety tips.

The Fourth of July is a great time to get together with family and friends, to celebrate our country, picnic, catch some live music and watch the fireworks. There are excellent fireworks displays in Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Canton, Toledo and throughout our state. Professional fireworks exhibits are the safest way to enjoy sparkles. If you are doing your own fireworks, use caution.

Last year, 8,800 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for serious injury caused by fireworks. About 67 percent of those treated (5,900) were injured by fireworks during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July. Most of the injuries were burns to the hands and fingers, but eyes, heads, face and ears are also commonly injured in fireworks accidents.

Firecrackers accounted for the highest number of injuries, but even sparklers can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at 1800 degrees. This temperature is high enough to melt gold. Last year, 200 children under age 5 sustained injuries from sparklers.

Fireworks can be legally purchased in Ohio by those over the age of 18, but only trick and novelty devices such as sparklers, snaps, glow snakes and smoke bombs can be discharged within state borders. Other fireworks must be taken out of Ohio for discharge. It is a first degree misdemeanor to illegally discharge these fireworks within state boundaries. Offenders are subject to both fines and jail time.

If you are doing your own fireworks display, the Ohio state fire marshal offers these safety tips:

• Use fireworks only under adult supervision.

• Appoint one adult to be in charge. Make sure that adult is familiar with and knows the hazards of each firework used.

• Read the labels and follow directions carefully.

• Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it far from your body.

• After burning sparklers, place the wires in a bucket of cold water. These wires can reach a temperature of 1800 degrees and may cause severe burns for several minutes after burning out.

• If a burn injury occurs, run cold water over the burn for several minutes. Get medical attention.

• Remember, even professional firework displays can be dangerous.

The Cleveland personal injury attorneys at Chester Law Group wish you and your family a happy and safe Independence Day. But, if someone is injured and you need a lawyer, our Ohio personal injury and car crash attorneys are available at any time. Contact us at 1-800-218-4243.

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