Editorial

Amid celebration, a plea for common sense

Posted

Long weekends always seem to pass too quickly. But the Fourth of July for many provided an opportunity to, at least briefly, take a break from daily life’s torrid pace and enjoy the season with friends and family.

As summer wears on, there will be more chances to enjoy the outdoors, to grill and play and swim on sunny days and long, warm nights. Amid the relaxation and celebration, however, we are reminded through reports of tragic – and mostly preventable – events of the need to be safe and exercise good judgment.

Fireworks are a staple of the Fourth of July, a defining symbol of American freedom and spirit. In the weeks leading up to the holiday – and particularly on Saturday night – they have been inescapable in neighborhoods across the Ocean State.

Predictably, the holiday has again led to a slew of stories making clear just how dangerous fireworks can be when not handled properly.

In Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, a 9-year-old boy lost his hand while playing with fireworks, and his 5-year-old brother was also injured. In a bizarre incident in Maine, a man was killed after reportedly igniting a mortar tube atop his head. In Florida, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul sustained serious burns to his hand in a fireworks mishap, possibly resulting in nerve damage.

There are hundreds of other such reports from across the nation. They encompass a wide range of circumstances and outcomes, but virtually all share a common thread: that they were extremely preventable, had those involved been acting safely and responsibly.

It is also worth remembering that in densely populated neighborhoods such as those in our communities, the improper use of fireworks carries the risk of homes – and, more importantly, lives – being lost in the event of a blaze.

We should also keep in mind the impact the use of fireworks – particularly the large, aerial displays that remain illegal in our state – can have on those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, including our veterans. Pets, the elderly and others can also be deeply, and negatively, affected.

We respect the right of all Rhode Islanders, and all Americans, to celebrate Independence Day, and fireworks are a deeply ingrained aspect of the annual revelry. In the weeks to come, many will continue to use them.

There’s little more left to say on the subject, aside from a renewed plea for safety and common sense. As the latest spate of sad stories from across the nation demonstrates, exercising good judgment can make an enormous difference in the lives of ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.

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