SUMMER SAFETY TIPS
Summer is here and we are all looking forward to fun activities with our family and friends, but summer activities have their hazards, so here are some tips from your Personal Injury Attorney about how to keep things safe:
FIREWORKS SAFETY
The only safe way to enjoy fireworks in New York City is to view professional displays. Not only are fireworks dangerous when handled by non-professionals, there is the real risk of spending the holiday in jail! In New York City, all consumer fireworks including sparklers are illegal to use, buy, sell, or transport. Vehicles used to transport fireworks may be seized by the police. You may receive up to $1,000 for a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of people selling, storing, or transporting fireworks. Outside of the City, in Nassau, Suffolk and some parts of Westchester, some types of fireworks, called “sparkling devices” are legal for use by consumers. According to the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the “Sparking Devices” that New York State law refers to are considered, “ground-based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.” These sparkling devices can only be purchased by registered vendors. As of June 22, 2018, these are the registered sparking device vendors approved by the state of New York. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, spinners and other aerial fireworks are illegal throughout New York State, and no person under the age of 18 is allowed to handle any time of fireworks, including sparklers.
HEAT SAFETY
In our bustling crowded city, air quality is a serious concern on hot and humid days. Be sure to abide by warnings and avoid strenuous activity outdoors when air quality warnings are posted, especially if you are over 65. If you do choose to exercise in the heat, make sure that you are properly hydrated. Don’t forget sunscreen, even if you are dark-skinned, as all skin types can burn, which can lead to heat stroke. If you feel dizzy, head for the shade or the air-conditioning! Never leave a child or a pet unattended in a car, not even for a minute. The temperature inside a car in the summer can rise to over 150 degrees in a matter of minutes – being trapped inside a hot car is the leading cause of premature death for both young children and pets.
CAR SEAT SAFETY
With summer road trips planned, it’s a car time to double-check that your child has the correct seat for their current height, weight, and age. See our article on
car seat safety!
SWIMMING SAFETY
Public and Private pool provide New Yorker’s with some respite from the blazing heat, but it’s important to keep things safe at the pool. The number one cause of accidental death for children is accidents. Topping the list of accidents that kill children are car accidents, and right below that is drowning. It is extremely important to never leave a young child unattended near the water, even if they can swim. Even a child that swims well might panic if they are accidentally pushed under the water. Don’t trust your young children to lifeguards unless you know them and how well they are trained. The ocean presents currents and large waves can arrive unexpectedly, children (and adults) should never swim in the ocean alone. If you own a pool, you have a responsibility to your guests and to the community, see our article on
swimming pool liability.
If you have any questions or concerns about safety or liability, please feel free to call us at 718-261-8114.
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