Fireworks Safety Tips
The Month of July is upon us again, and it is time once again to celebrate. Do you know how to celebrate safely? The Atascocita Fire Department wishes you a safe and happy 4th of July and offers these facts and statistics as well as safety tips when celebrating with fireworks.
Most fireworks can be safe with the proper, careful and supervised usage but some fireworks present huge injury and fire risks. The Federal Government for this reason put into effect in 1976 the Federal Hazardous Substances Act that outlawed many of the more dangerous types of fireworks. Some of these included reload mortar shells, cherry bombs, M-80’s, mail order kits that can build these types of fireworks. In addition the Consumer Product Safety Commission required that firecrackers intended for consumers had to have less than 50 milligrams of powder and a fuse that lasted for at least 3 seconds and no more than 9 seconds and must carry warning and instruction labels.
So you say ok so those are illegal, but I bought mine at the fireworks stand legally so I don’t have to worry, right? WRONG- in the year 2000 the statistics show over 11,000 people were treated for firework injuries at hospital emergency rooms (CPSC statistics). Of those more than half were under the age of 15 years old. In addition 10 people were killed.
Examples of incidents are:
An 8-year old girl received second and third degree burns to her leg when a spark from a sparkler she was holding ignited her dress.
Two girls, 11 months old and 4 years old, and a 2-year-old boy in Ohio, were killed in a house fire in late June. The fire was started by a 17-year-old male who threw a bottle rocket into the house.
A house fire in the beginning of the year 2001 right here in Atascocita was started from fireworks that shot through the front window of a home.
Remember fireworks can be dangerous and can cause fires, serious burns and eye injuries.
The following tips will ensure the safest considerations when dealing with fireworks.
ü Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
ü Read and follow all warning instructions.
ü Be sure others are out of range and area aware before lighting fireworks.
ü Only light fireworks on a smooth flat surface away from houses, dry leaves and grass, or flammable materials.
ü Never try to re-light fireworks (duds).
ü Keep a bucket of water close in case of malfunction or fire.
ü Do not modify fireworks.
Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July and remember:
Be safe with fireworks, BBQ grills, and activities.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.
