Fireworks Safety Month

WHEREAS, in Alabama it is illegal to possess, sell, use or ship fireworks into the state, other than "Class C" (also called consumer) fireworks; "Class C" fireworks are permissible and may be sold at retail, however, it is illegal to sell any fireworks to any person under the age of 16, unless accompanied by an adult; and

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,300 Americans injure their eyes using fireworks each year and nearly 9,000 Americans are injured in some manner using fireworks each year; and

WHEREAS, children age fourteen and under account for almost 40 percent of all fireworks injuries in the United States; and

WHEREAS, bottle rockets cause some of the most serious eye injuries, but even sparklers, which burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, cause 27 percent of all fireworks injuries; and

WHEREAS, fireworks injuries can be very serious, including eye lid lacerations, burns, corneal abrasions, traumatic cataract, retinal detachment, optic nerve damage, and complete blindness; and

WHEREAS, children should never be allowed to possess or play with fireworks unattended and without adult supervision; and

WHEREAS, fireworks should be viewed from a safe distance of at least 500 feet away; and

WHEREAS, it is important that the general public be educated to the dangers associated with using fireworks; and

WHEREAS, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology (ALAO) desire to educate the general public as to potential eye injuries, which may be incurred while using fireworks:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim the month of July 2012, as Fireworks Safety Month in the state of the Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 17th day of July 2012.

 

Governor Robert Bentley