Matt Jaworowski, Media General National Desk – (MEDIA GENERAL) – As we head into another holiday weekend prepared to celebrate our country's independence, New York Giants star Jason Pierre-Paul is set to remind others of a nasty accident that could have killed him.
Pierre-Paul lost parts of three fingers and severely injured his right hand after a firecracker went off prematurely during a Fourth of July celebration last year. He now is using his celebrity to warn others about fireworks safety by starring in a public service announcement.
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The PSA includes a re-enactment of Pierre-Paul's accident and he shows off his damaged hand.
The PSA ends with a warning to leave fireworks to professionals and to keep them away from kids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQGr3FSESHg
The Consumer Product Safety Commission, who partnered in the PSA, urges consumers to follow several safety steps if they choose to purchase fireworks.
- Make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Never use or make professional grade fireworks.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit -- hot enough to melt some metals.
- Do not buy fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.