Charcoal grills, fire pits, discarded smoking materials and fireworks all pose a greater risk this year, because of the dry vegetation produced by lower than average rainfall.
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We have once again this year put together a task force of area fire and law enforcement officers from numerous agencies that will be out patrolling the area looking for illegal fireworks use.
The group says there were 11 deaths and almost 12,000 emergency room visits in 2015 resulting from fireworks accidents, the highest number in 15 years.
Many people experiment with fireworks on their own, but that can be unsafe.
Americans love fireworks, especially on the Fourth of July, but experts warn they can be unsafe if not used safely. “A lot of times they’re just injuries, but sometimes it’s a firework has landed in something and caused a fire, sometimes small, sometimes not”. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that fireworks caused 15,600 fires, according to the latest fire data available. Fireworks related injuries also spike on that same day, as you might guess.
Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
Fireworks can only be used on private property, with the permission of the owner.
Additionally, it’s estimated that 200 people per day go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries during the period surrounding the Fourth of July.
Experts also recommend that people lighting fireworks that shoot out or up immediately step away after lighting them.
Never use or make professional grade fireworks.
Police state that children should only use novelty items under adult supervision, as even those present a degree of danger when handled improperly.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water before you discard it.
If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
While the two sisters picked out what sparklers and kits they could buy within their annual fireworks budget, each package they brought to the register carried several warning labels.
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At the institute, off Campgaw Road in Mahwah, officers showed the dangers of an illegal firecracker: Using the same explosive charge that’s in a cherry bomb, they detonated a watermelon.
