With the Fourth of July coming up, Aurora Noon Lions Club wants to remind the public of the dangers of fireworks.
Arvid Meyer of Aurora, Noon Lions president, said “The Fourth of July is fast approaching. It seems like more people than ever are using high-powered explosives, as well as more common sparklers, snakes, and fountains.
“According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, more than 2,000 eye injuries can be expected this year from misuse of fireworks. More than half the injuries will be to children.”
Meyer offered the following hints:
• Kids under 10 years old should use sparklers and other non-explosive items only under close adult supervision. Warn children to keep fireworks away from their faces, and once lit, to not touch them.
• Sparklers can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees, enough to melt some metals. Sparks from fountains, sparklers, and other mild fireworks can injure the surface of the eye, causing loss of eyesight or blindness.
• Older children and adults never should assume an item that did not explode is a dud. Many injuries, and even deaths, have occurred by users either looking at, or touching a supposed dud.
All users of fireworks, kids or adults, should use protective safety glasses.
According to Meyer, “For a safe and happy Fourth of July, following some simple rules can make a difference in your celebration.”
—Aurora Noon Lions Club