How safe are you at a fireworks show? - VB Attorneys

Did you feel safe the last time you watched fireworks? You’re supposed to.

Pyrotechnicians are required to submit site plans before the event to the local authorities. These site plans are supposed to include:

• Dimensions of the discharge site
• Spectator viewing areas
• Parking areas
• Fallout area and associated separation distances.

In other words, the people putting on your fireworks display are required to plan ahead how they are going to keep you safe while you enjoy the show. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) has a manual of codes, diagrams, and formulas for these companies to follow when creating fireworks shows.

Find out how far you need to be from fireworks:

This diagram is a rough guideline for pyrotechnicians to follow when they are creating their plans:

The code goes on to state that no spectators or spectator parking areas shall be located within the display site.

Also, the code discusses the minimum secured diameter of the site based on the size of the fireworks to be used. They provide this table for easy calculation:

Three ways to make sure you’re far enough away from the fireworks:

Having an over-abundance of caution on the spectator’s part is a wise idea. If you think you’re too close to the launch site, you may well be. The site plan may be faulty. Exercise caution when picking your viewing location at the next fireworks show, and sit further away than necessary. A misfired firework can seriously and critically burn you or your loved ones. These three tips will help you stay safe:

1. Call the organizers of your fireworks show to find out how far from the launch site you need to sit. If you are planning on launching fireworks yourself, use this table to determine how far away you and your friends and family need to be.
2. If you are watching from your car, make sure your windows are rolled up and your doors are closed. Sparks or misfired fireworks can cause injuries if they get in the car with you.
3. If you don’t see fire trucks and first responders at a supposedly planned, organized fireworks show, leave immediately. Community events and private fireworks shows that are put on by professionals and have all the necessary permits will have first responders on the scene just in case. If you don’t see any, that may mean the show you’re at is operating unsafely.

Consult our attorneys immediately if you’ve been injured at a fireworks show and think a person or company acted unsafely. You may be able to file an injury lawsuit if they were negligent or a defective products lawsuit if there was a defect with the fireworks. Our attorneys will help you understand your legal rights, tell you their professional opinion about your case based on their experience as trial attorneys, and help you make an informed decision about your next steps. Call now at 877-724-7800 to get started.