Fireworks Safety

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Reprinted by www.cnn.com

Fireworks and hot temperatures can be a dangerous combination. In addition to harming themselves, people are also in danger of lighting up their entire neighborhoods.

"What people don't realize is while they're setting off fireworks and sparklers in hot, dry heat or wind, that fires can move very quickly, putting their neighborhood directly in threat. Each year, 230 people on average go to the emergency room in the weeks leading up to and after the Fourth of July, with the majority of those injuries including burns affecting hands and fingers, eyes, arms, legs, head and ears, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Firecrackers cause 20% of those injuries, and children between the ages of 5 and 9 and adults 25 to 44 are at the most risk of injury.The National Weather Service has some tips to keep your party from ending up at the hospital or starting a fire. Though a lot of the tips seem to be common sense, they are listed because people have been injured after not observing them.

In dry areas:

• Obey local ordinances regulating the sale and use of fireworks.

• Use fireworks in a safe area, away from dry fields, forests and buildings.

• Carefully follow label directions, and always have adult supervision.

• Light one firework at a time, and handle lighters safely.

• Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals.

• Keep water and garden tools nearby. Wet towels can extinguish small flames.

• After the celebration ends, observe the area where fireworks were used to make sure everything is safe before leaving.