New Yorkers Urged to Enjoy the Fourth of July But to Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals

Published June 27, 2024 by Scott Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July, and with that comes the fun and excitement of picnics, swimming, family gatherings and spectacular fireworks displays. Now, thanks to the generosity of the Ithaca firefighters and the town’s residents, the town has enough money to once again provide a community fireworks show. Binghamton residents can enjoy a local fireworks show after the Binghamton Mets game versus the Portland Sea Dogs.

Professional Fire Fighters Association President George Apgar told WBNG News, “Our [Ithaca fire department] members support various community activities and fundraising efforts throughout the year. Bringing the fireworks back to Ithaca was a natural fit. Our members are excited to support a community event that celebrates our nation’s history.”

Unfortunately, each year many people choose to set off their own fireworks, leading to serious injury and fires. Our Binghamton personal injury attorney ask all NY residents to follow the advice of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Leave fireworks to the professionals.”

The CDC reports that fireworks can cause death and injury, including burns, contusions, lacerations, and foreign objects in the eye. According to a report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for 2023, there were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers. 66% of injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday. About 42 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries were for burns.

Further, 68% of the injuries were to males setting off firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, Roman candles and reloadable shells. Four people died from illegal and homemade fireworks in 2011, according to the CPSC.

The CPSC and the CDC join together in offering the following fireworks safety tips:

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

Our Binghamton personal injury attorney support the CPSC and CDC in asking everyone to promote and support fireworks safety in your community. If you must use your own fireworks, please follow the CPSC safety guidelines.

If you are injured in a firework accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our Binghamton personal injury lawyer to learn about your legal rights.

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Today

Scott C. Gottlieb, Injury Law Attorney, is a Binghamton accident and injury law firm that handles all types of personal injury and motor vehicle accident cases, including cases involving drunk-driving accidents, dog bites, hunting accidents, brain injuries, construction accidents, fall-down injuries and insurance settlements. The firm regularly employs accident reconstruction experts, investigators, photographers and economists to assist in evaluating and preparing personal injury cases.

For more information, call (800) Talk-Law or use the firm’s online contact form.