As New Year’s Eve approaches, officials in Putnam County are urging residents to exercise caution regarding the use of fireworks and the dangers of impaired driving. Both medical and law enforcement authorities have come together to address these significant safety concerns.
Data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals a troubling national trend: an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, resulting in 11 fatalities. This marks a 38% increase in deaths and a 52% rise in injuries from the previous year. As celebrations commence, local health professionals are particularly concerned about the safety of children, who are among the most vulnerable during these festivities.
Dr. Nicole Jaques, a medical professional at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital in Palatka, emphasizes the importance of handling fireworks with care. “Fireworks are a fun tradition for many of us this time of year, but they need to be handled with caution,” she stated. Statistics indicate that teenagers are at the highest risk for fireworks-related injuries, followed closely by children aged 5 to 9.
To mitigate risks, Dr. Jaques advises parents against allowing children to play with or ignite fireworks, including seemingly harmless sparklers, which can reach temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. She encourages residents to store any fireworks safely out of children’s reach and to supervise minors during any usage.
The report from the safety commission highlights that sparklers alone accounted for an estimated 1,700 emergency room visits in 2024, with burns being the most prevalent injury type, representing 37% of cases. Injuries to the hands and fingers accounted for over one-third of ER visits, while injuries to the head, face, and neck comprised about 22%.
Safety concerns also extend to the quality of fireworks themselves. The safety commission found that approximately 20% of fireworks tested contained noncompliant components, such as fuse violations and prohibited chemicals. Dr. Jaques urges residents to only purchase legal fireworks from reputable retailers to ensure safety.
As residents prepare for festivities, the potential dangers extend beyond fireworks. Allison Waters-Merritt, public information officer for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving during the holiday season. “New Year’s Eve is always a concern from a national to a local level,” Waters-Merritt remarked. She points out that impairment is not limited to alcohol; it also includes controlled substances and certain medications.
The sheriff’s office, in conjunction with the Florida Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies, will be actively monitoring for impaired drivers throughout New Year’s celebrations. Officials strongly advise residents to remain sober if they plan to drive. For those who intend to drink, securing a designated driver or utilizing ride-share services is recommended.
For those choosing to use fireworks at home, experts outline several safety guidelines. First, never operate fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. It is advisable to keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby and to light devices one at a time, moving back quickly afterwards. If a firework malfunctions, individuals should not attempt to relight it; instead, they should soak it with water and dispose of it safely.
Additionally, users should avoid placing any body part directly over a device when lighting it and must never aim fireworks at anyone. Once a device has burned out, it should be thoroughly soaked with water before being discarded to prevent subsequent fires.
As the new year approaches, officials continue to stress the importance of safety amidst the celebrations. Taking precautions with fireworks and ensuring sober driving can help prevent accidents and injuries, allowing everyone to welcome the new year safely.
