Injury & Violence Prevention

Safety Tips

Fireworks Safety

Fireworks-related injuries are most common on and around holidays associated with fireworks celebrations, especially July 4th and New Year’s Eve. Nationally, thousands of people were treated in emergency departments in 2006 for injuries sustained from fireworks.

In 2006 South Carolina had:

253 non-fatal injuries due to fireworks;
241 were treated in emergency departments, and 12 were admitted into the hospitals;
73 percent were males;
38 percent were under 18;
36 percent were ages 18 to 34;
24 percent were ages 35 to 64;
2 percent were 65 and older;
55 percent of the injuries occurred in the summer, 25 percent in winter, 12 percent in fall, and 8 percent in spring.

The best way to prevent fireworks injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. However, if you still want to light up fireworks at home, keep these safety tips in mind:

Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them!
Use fireworks outdoors only and always have water handy (a hose or buckets of water).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
Use common sense when using fireworks. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the person lighting the fireworks, and the person lighting should wear safety glasses.
Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket—the friction could set them off.
Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and other flammable substances.
Light one firework at a time. Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated” person who is not drinking light the fireworks.
Only people over age 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives—they can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can because they may still be ignited.

Remember fireworks can cause serious injuries including burns and contusions. If you are injured by fireworks, seek immediate medical attention.

Enjoy your holidays with your family and take precautions when lighting fireworks at home! [Please watch Safety Video at www.fireworksafety.com/safety_video.html]

Source: The National Council on Fireworks Safety and US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Maintain a regular exercise program. Exercise improves strength, balance, and coordination. Talk with your health care provider about the best type of exercise for you.
Make your home fall-proof. Remove tripping hazards such as papers, books, and shoes from floors and stairs. Remove throw rugs that may slip or secure them with double-sided tape. Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers. Have grab bars and/or a bath chair installed in bathrooms. Make sure that you home is well lit and that staircases have handrails.
Have your health care provider review your medicines to reduce side effects and avoid drug interactions.
Have your vision checked by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase the risk of falling.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bicycle Safety Tips

Protect your head. Wear a properly fitted helmet.
Before each ride check that tires are properly inflated, brakes work, and the wheels aren't loose.
Always wear shoes while riding a bicycle.
Ride a bike that is the right size for you.
Carry no passengers (except children riding in approved baby seats).
Wear bright colored clothing and, if riding at night, place reflective stickers or patches on clothing and/or bicycle so drivers will see you.
When exiting a driveway, stop, look left, look right, look left again, and exit only when there is no traffic.
Stay alert. Always keep a lookout for obstacles in your path.
Ride on the RIGHT with the flow of traffic, in a single file.
Stop at all STOP signs and all traffic lights.
Do not ride in the wrong direction on one-way streets.
Use proper hand signals to indicate turns.
- Left Turn - extend left arm straight out
- Right Turn - extend left arm, bend elbow up at a 90-degree angle
- Stop - extend left arm, bend elbow down at a 90-degree angle
Give the right of way to pedestrians.

Playground Safety Tips

Improve adult supervision of children on playgrounds.
Educate the public about age-appropriate playground equipment.
Build playgrounds with surfaces - such as shredded rubber, wood chips, wood fiber, and sand - that reduce injuries related to falls.
Improve maintenance of equipment and surfacing.