By the Smithsonian Institute | http://www.flickr.com/photos/smithsonian/2551532866/
It’s December 31st and lots of you are getting ready to celebrate with firecrackers and some bright lights. I wish you a safe celebration this evening. I’m going to re-post a press release we issued earlier in the ear for Independence Day. I wish you a Happy New Year from the Hawaiian Eye Center family.
It is important for parents to keep fireworks out of the hands of children, and make sure they stand well away when others are using fireworks. While seemingly innocent, small fireworks such as sparklers and bottle rockets can be the most dangerous. “Children are fascinated by sparklers. Parents need to realize that they can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” explains Dr. Christopher Tortora, M.D., of the Hawaiian Eye Center. “Rockets and aerials can be unpredictable and can shoot off in the wrong direction, even injuring bystanders. It is important to use protective eyewear when handling or standing near ignited sparklers or firecrackers.”
“Eyes are the second most commonly injured body part when it comes to fireworks.” said Dr. Christopher Tortora. “It is important to take precautions to protect the eyes while participating in the use of fireworks. Whether you are observing, or setting them off, there is the potential for serious injury to the eyes.”
Recently, the city and county of Honolulu passed a law that bans the use of any fireworks other than firecrackers by the general public. A current concern is that people who possess leftover and now illegal fireworks will be using them in unsupervised and dangerous ways. In order to use firecrackers legally, you are required to purchase a permit from the city. If you decide to partake in an activity involving fireworks or firecrackers it is important to take every safety precaution available. Always use fireworks outdoors and be sure to have a bucket of water near by in case of emergencies.”
