Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin warns North Carolinians about the dangers of fireworks as they celebrate the upcoming July Fourth weekend.
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“If you do plan to ignite your own fireworks, remember: You are playing with explosives, and if used incorrectly, can cause irreparable injury and harm”. And because conditions are so dry in MI right now, she urges extra caution when using bottle rockets and other fireworks that are airborne.
“Fireworks are fun, but they are to not be taken lightly”.
After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire. New York Giants football player Jason Pierre Paul blew off two fingers and part of his thumb when a firework exploded in his hand past year. “If you are having your children play with them, they are something to be aware of because a touch can cause a blister or small burn”, Whiteford said. Don’t try to alter them or combine them. Light one firework at a time, instead of maybe 10. If the firework does not light, still put it in a bucket of water and move on. Howe said. “I responded to a house fire caused by one of these”.
MI law requires fireworks never be used while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The violation is a misdemeanor punishable as provided in the state law.
Though New York’s laws have changed in recent years to allow for certain types of fireworks to be sold and used within the state, the fact remains they are extremely unsafe and should only be used by those with the proper training and certification. “It is more as a safety thing for the community”. Everyone is asked to respect these limits and be courteous to neighbors.
Police Chief Dave Riviere said the city will enforce zero tolerance on illegal fireworks. “In California, we have zero tolerance for not only the sale, but the use of illegal fireworks”.
-If possible, go to a Fourth of July show and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
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Past year the burn center at the University of Kansas Medical Center says it treated fewer burns from fireworks, but the severity of those injuries increased, including more traumatic amputations of fingers and other body parts.
