fireworkssafety_JThe 4th of July weekend is one of the favorites of the summer to most people.  Bad decisions sometimes lead to injuries that bring an all too quick end to the fun.

According to a newly released National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) report, in 2008 fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires nationally, including 1,400 total structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outdoor and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $42 million in direct property damage.

Younger people suffer the majority of these injuries, which are typically to the eyes, head and hands.  These injuries can result in blindness, permanent scarring and even amputations.

The NFPA suggests to “Teach children at an early age that fireworks are explosive devices.  They are not toys.  Explain the danger of explosives and teach children to tell adults if they find fireworks.  Be sure they understand it is too risky to pick up the fireworks and bring them to an adult.”

“The burns caused by the intense heat of fireworks leave lifetime, disfiguring scars.  Eye injuries, many leading to permanent vision loss, account for 20% of fireworks injuries,” stated Mark D. Widome of the American Academy of Pediatrics in a fire safety publication.

Sparklers that most feel are harmless can also be dangerous according to the National Council on Fireworks Safety.  They are pyrotechnic devices and can reach temperatures as high as 1200°F (649°C), staying hot even after they have burned out.   In fact, 16% of the fireworks injuries each year are sparkler related.  These injuries would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken. The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety steps for sparklers, in the hopes that sparkler injuries to young children can be greatly reduced.

  • *Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
  • *Always remain standing while using sparklers.
  • *Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
  • *Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
  • *Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination.  Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
  • *Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out.  Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
  • *Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person.  Give them the unlit sparkler and then light it.
  • *Always stand at least 6 feet from another person while using sparklers.
  • *Never throw sparklers.
  • *Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm’s length.
  • *Teach children not to wave sparklers, especially wooden stick sparklers, or run while holding sparklers.

Illegal fireworks are not the only ones that are dangerous; in fact, most fireworks injuries are legal in many states.  Some that are legal in some states have been banned by other states because of the injuries, fires, and deaths that they can cause.

Tips for staying safe with all fireworks:

  • *Use fireworks outdoors only.
  • *Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
  • *Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
  • *Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • *Use common sense.  Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
  • *Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a “designated shooter.”
  • *Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
  • *Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives:  They can kill you!  Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • *If you use lighters, buy ones with a child resistant feature.
  • *Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, preferably in a locked cabinet.
  • *Never leave young children alone with an open flame.
  • *Teach older children to use fire responsibly.

For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

Whatever you do, use caution, common sense and keep your holiday celebration free of injuries or worse situations.  Happy Birthday America!