The fire danger around the North State remains high but as we get closer to the Fourth of July, more and more people will be buying and lighting off fireworks.
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Type of injuries: Burns were the most common injuries to all parts of the bodies, except the eyes.
Last year, emergency rooms around the country treated an average of 267 fireworks-related injuries per day in the 30-day span between June 19 and July 19.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks every July 4th holiday.
Many communities in the region host fireworks displays that are controlled by licensed pyrotechnical experts and open to the public to provide a safe and fun way to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday.
Also, make sure to maintain a safe distance from the fireworks when they are going off, Weimer said.
Both of them also say people should never drink alcohol while using fireworks. Many of these injuries occurred in children under the age of 15, however, it is illegal for children this age to possess fireworks.
“I think anytime you use anything with fire, sparks and with heat in Phoenix you have to be really careful”, said Phoenix grandmother Mick Jansen. There was an estimated 10,500 firework related injuries in 2014, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
– Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day. Parents don’t realize that young children can suffer injuries from sparklers.
Another important tip, says University of MI emergency physician Dr. Brad Uren, is to never re-light a firework that doesn’t ignite or shoot off properly.
While veteran Mansfield firefighters don’t remember fireworks starting a fire or injuring someone, a new problem came up previous year.
“You need to make sure you have a bucket of water, a hose that’s ready and charged, maybe even wet the area down”, Secontine said.
Never try to re-light fireworks that malfunction.
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Michigan State Fire Marshal Julie Secontine says fireworks should be lit one at a time, on a driveway or paved surface at least 20 feet away from any structure.
