As the colors of the fireworks paint the skies this Fourth of July, the Winter Springs Police Department, and the Orlando Fire Department are spotlighting the importance of safety during this celebratory season. Fireworks, while a staple of the festivities, come with their dangers—risks that both agencies want citizens to remember and mitigate.
In a briefing filled with sobering statistics, the Winter Springs Police Department reminded locals of the dangers fireworks pose, relaying that in 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Highlighting the vulnerability of youth to these accidents, the department noted that 50% of those injuries were children and young adults under the age of 20, as stated by the City of Winter Springs. The department's emphasis on safety is clear: enjoy professional displays, and if you must use fireworks at home, do so with the utmost caution, and never forget the potential for an errant sparkler to cause grievous harm.
Going further into the conversation on safety, Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Rhodes of the Orlando Fire Department echoed concerns, as cited by ClickOrlando. Rhodes pointed out that "almost 3/4 of the incidents involving fireworks occur on Fourth of July", a startling figure that underscores the risks involved in personal fireworks displays. The department is especially observant of the potential dangers to children, reminding that, nationally, kids under 15 years old account for about "36%" of accidents.
Rhodes provided essential advice for those handling fireworks, as per ClickOrlando: "Even the sparklers, sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to cause some significant burns." His words serve as a stark reminder that what may seem like a harmless source of light in a child's hand can be as dangerous as molten metal, capable of igniting clothes and causing severe burns. The guidance from both departments is unambiguous: safety first, spectacle second, as even a celebratory night can turn into a misfortune if precautions are not heeded.
