Though you may not be lighting fireworks as large as these, it is essential to keep family and friends out of harm’s way by using safe practices.
In the past decade, fireworks injuries have declined almost 70 percent reports the National Council on Fireworks Safety. However, each year individuals still receive injuries while improperly handling fireworks, especially children.
Safety measures and the regulating of fireworks have contributed to the decrease of firework-related injuries.
‘‘The Consumer Product Safety Commission and fireworks industry have done a tremendous job of regulating fireworks,” said Ralph Apel, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. ‘‘Before fireworks are imported, they are tested in their country of origin, deemed safe and then imported to the U.S.”
‘‘All fireworks are dangerous and pose risk, yet if bought from a licensed store or stand and handled correctly, they can be enjoyable,”said Col. Glenn Harp, deputy commander, U.S. Army Combat Readiness⁄Safety Center.
‘‘Know your fireworks,” said Harp. ‘‘When you purchase legal fireworks, read the warning label and know what they’re designed to do.”
The CPSC and NCFS offer safety tips for individuals planning to use fireworks:
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Read and follow all warnings and instructions before igniting the fireworks.
Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Ensure that spectators are out of the range of the fireworks.
Only light fireworks outside on a smooth, flat surface away from the house and flammable materials. If drought conditions are present, avoid using fireworks altogether.
Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, nearby.
Alcohol and fireworks never mix!
Parents should pay special attention to children using sparklers. Sparklers reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and could cause serious injury if not handled correctly.
‘‘Many times consumers don’t prepare for the evening’s fireworks display” said Apel. ‘‘The designated shooter should prepare a shooting area, assess how many people will be watching the display and lay out a spectator area that is far enough away from the shooting site. The shooter should carefully read the label of each firework and understand exactly what it will do. Preplanning makes for a safe and fun backyard fireworks display.”
Fireworks are dangerous and pose risk, yet if bought from a licensed store or stand and handled correctly, they can be enjoyable.
According to the Center for Disease Control, between June 18 and July 18, 2005, 31 percent of fireworks-related injuries involved hands and fingers, 25 percent involved eyes and 20 percent involved the head and face. Blindness, third-degree burns and permanent scarring are some of the serious injuries that can result from mishandling fireworks.
‘‘Soldiers, their family members and friends preferring an alternative to a backyard fireworks display can check within their local communities and installations for public displays conducted by professionals,” added Harp.
For more information on firework safety visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety Web site at www.fireworksafety.com and for more information on the 101 Critical Days of Summer safety campaign visit https:⁄⁄crc.army.mil.
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