Articles Posted in Holidays

With the Fourth of July holiday, we’re all looking for some time off with friends and family amid a fireworks show. Unfortunately, too many of those at-home firework shows turn into serious accidents. And that’s why, under Florida law, only sparklers, approved by the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, are legal for consumer usage.

In Florida, it’s also illegal to use exploding and/or flying fireworks. This includes firecrackers, rockets, roman candles, shells and mortars and multiple tube devices.

“If you choose to celebrate with fireworks, protect your family and friends by following the proper safety practices,” said Jeff Atwater, the Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal.

Our Lehigh Acres injury lawyers understand that there are going to be many families out celebrating this Fourth of July with friends and family members. If you’re going to be lighting off any kind of fireworks, make sure that they’re legal and safe. There were more than 270 fires caused by fireworks in 2011. Not only did these fires cost close to $750,000 in property damage, but they led to injury as well.

According to the Division of State Fire Marshal, there are over 2,000 fireworks that are approved for use in Florida. When you’re using these fireworks, you’re urged to follow these safety tips:

-Never allow children to play with any sparklers. These devices can heat up to anywhere between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees and can serve up some serious risks for injuries.

-Make sure that all pets are kept away from areas in which fireworks are being lit.

-You only want to light off one firework at a time.

-Never try to make or alter your own fireworks.

-Stay away from those lighting fireworks. They have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.

-Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

-If a firework doesn’t go off, or is a “dud”, don’t attempt relighting it. Simply disregard it in a bucket of water.

-Make sure that you’re keeping a bucket of water nearby of a hose.

-Make sure that you’re only getting your fireworks from a licensed supplier.

-Always light fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface to insure the stability of the products. Grass is generally not suitable for any firework intended to be used in an upright position. If lighting fireworks on grass, lay down a flat wooden board for a shooting surface.

-Make sure you’re not lighting off any illegal fireworks. Florida law classifies it as a first-degree misdemeanor, which means those convicted could face up to a year in a prison, a $1,000 fine and court costs.

-Your safest bet is to attend a public fireworks show. This is your safest (and probably most entertaining) option.
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If you’re planning on serving cocktails at you holiday party this year, you’re going to want to make sure that your guests have a safe ride home. After all, you could be held responsible. Unfortunately, anytime there’s a celebration, the danger of drunk driving is always a possibility, as is a terrible car accident causing injuries to all involved.

Our Cape Coral accident attorneys want to make sure your party is successful — and safe! Go ahead and review the following tips when planning out this year’s holiday festivities. Be a good hosts and lookout for your guests.

Holiday Party Safety Tips:

-Don’t serve liquor. You don’t need booze to have a good time. We do understand that this may not be realistic, but moderation is key.

-Keep an eye on how much your guests are consuming. Open bar only encourages over-drinking. You could even provide guests with “drink tickets” with a certain amount for each guest.

-Make sure your guests are well fed. Consider serving food when the bar closes.

-An hour to two before the party ends, close the bar to allow for more time to “sober up.” Check up on all guests before closing down for the night.

-Consider having the party off-site. If the party takes place at a restaurant or a hotel with a liquor license – and the facility’s employees serve the drinks – you’re less likely to be held responsible.

-Make sure that cab rides are available for all guests. Keep company phone numbers at hand. Offer these numbers to guests without a designated driver.

-Keep an eye out for minors. You can get in some serious trouble if you’re busted by authorities serving alcohol to minors.

-In Florida, party hosts’ are responsible for their guests’ actions after leaving a party intoxicated only if the guests are minors or the person is addicted to alcohol.

-Consider hiring a professional bartender. This way they can monitor how much guests are consuming.

-As a party host, you’re urged not to get too intoxicated. You’re going to want to keep an eye on all aspects of your party. Stay sober and stay in the loop.

-Make sure there are plenty of drinks without alcohol on hand to not only encourage guests to stay sober, but also to offer guests a designated driver as needed.

-Make sure that all guests who are drinking have a designated driver or a safe way home.

-Allow guests to spend the night if they don’t have a safe way to get home. Have blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows ready.
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With the Fourth of July holiday among us, Fort Myers Personal Injury Lawyers wish you and your family a fun and safe weekend. But we urge you to stay safe from the injuries that often plague people during the summer months.

Kids are now out of school and clamoring for something fun to occupy their time. And as Florida Injury Lawyer Blog previously discussed, car accidents in Fort Myers and boating accidents throughout Southwest Florida are especially likely this time of year. There will be tens of millions of vehicles on the roads this weekend and thousands of boaters will be on the state’s many rivers, lakes and coastline water, so stay safe.

But for those not planning any travel this Independence Day, there are even safety tips to stay free from injury at home. Common dangers, such as swimming pool accidents, risks to children and fireworks injuries are more common than many may think, so think twice about safety to avoid devastating and life-altering injuries.

Fireworks injuries: Many people like to buy as many high-action fireworks as they can get their hands on during holidays such as the Fourth of July. Others prefer to go to the several city sponsored fireworks shows and watch them light up the sky.

On the one hand, professionals are handling the show and have years of experience operating high-profile fireworks. But in the other situation, it’s often children who hear the calling to pick up fireworks. If there is ever an area where parents should be extra cautious, it is with fireworks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seven people died and more than 7,000 people were injured by fireworks in 2008. And it’s no shock that nearly 60 percent of those injured were teens and children under 20. More than 4 in every 10 people injured were under 15. Children injured by fireworks can suffer life-long effects that can be prevented with more attention to safety — or simply by obeying the law and leaving the fireworks to the professionals.

Bottle rockets, and other fireworks can cause severe injuries to the eyes, hands, fingers, legs and other body parts. In a year-long span from June 20, 2007 to July 20 in 2008, there were 900 injuries associated with firecrackers, 300 attributed to rockets and 800 with sparklers. Sparklers burn at 1,000 degrees.

Swimming pool accidents: But while fireworks may take precedence this weekend, swimming will be a popular activity throughout the summer months.

Tragically, Florida ranks among the top of all states in child drownings, according to the Florida Department of Health. Toddlers are especially susceptible, with 356 dying between 1999 and 2003, tops in the nation.

It only takes a few seconds for a parent or guardian to take on another task, return to the pool and see that the child has sunk to the bottom. Even drowning-related injuries can affect children for the rest of their lives. Don’t be another statistic. Use extra caution this summer and stay safe.
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It is during trying economic times like these that many may feel there is nothing in their lives to be thankful for and little reason to celebrate Thanksgiving. We feel that this year, the importance of being surrounded by family and friends, no matter the circumstances, is more important than ever.

The size of your turkey or the amount of side dishes on your table is not the real reason to give thanks. We hope you are able to spend the day enveloped in love for one another, and recognize that your feelings of warmth and caring for those you are with will carry you through the toughest of times. If you are able to do so, we encourage you to reach out to those who may not be able to enjoy a hot meal or the comfort of a friend this holiday. Doing something for those less fortunate can be an amazing feeling – for all parties involved.

We know that there are many people struggling these days, but we truly hope that on this special day, everyone can put those stresses aside and enjoy the simple pleasures of spending some quality time together.