Days before the Fourth of July celebrations nationwide, federal officials have ordered a recall of almost 40,000 fireworks sold in three states because they are too powerful and pose a serious injury hazard. According to news reports, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recalled products from Grandma’s Fireworks in Indiana, GS Fireworks in Michigan, Patriot Pyrotechnics/Bill’s Fireworks in Michigan and Keystone Fireworks in Pennsylvania.
Serious Injuries Reported
These recalled fireworks are overloaded with pyrotechnics intended to produce a booming sound. Overloaded fireworks could result in more powerful explosion than expected, posing blast and burn hazards to consumers. Grandma’s Fireworks in Indiana had the largest recall, about 25,000 pieces from 18 fireworks ranging in price from $20 to $50 a pack. The recall covers fireworks bought from January 2009 to April 2019. According to CPSC, two boys were injured using the broken end of one of the recalled products and one of the boys lost a hand in the explosion.
Patriot Pyrotechnics/ Bill’s Fireworks in Michigan has 22 fireworks on the recall list. They were sold from January 2017 to July 2018 ranging in price from $100 to $125. Keystone’s recall includes about 1,660 G-Force Fireworks sold at a Pennsylvania location between November 2018 and May 2019. The box of fireworks is about $60. The GS Fireworks recall includes 26 products sold at stores in Michigan. Customers are urged not to use the recalled fireworks and can return any of the recalled products for a full refund.
Staying Safe This Fourth of July
According to the Insurance Journal, at least eight people lost their lives in fireworks mishaps in 2017 while another 12,900 ended up in hospital emergency rooms with injuries. The deaths in 2017 included a four-year old Wisconsin girl who died from shrapnel when a metal tube filled with sparklers exploded after being set off by her father in their yard.
These types of tragedies can be avoided. Here are a few steps you can take to prevent fireworks injuries:
- Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
- Do not point fireworks at others especially when they are being lit.
- Don’t attempt to light multiple devices at the same time.
- Never allow young children to handle sparklers or fireworks. Never allow teens to set off fireworks without adult supervision.
- Always keep a portable fire extinguisher close by. Keep a water hose or buckets of water nearby to put out fires.
If you or a loved one has been injured by defective fireworks or due to the negligence of someone else, you may be able to receive compensation for the injuries, damages and losses you have sustained. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/news/20190627/massive-fireworks-recall-in-three-states
