With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, fireworks shops across our state are seeing their busiest week of the year.
Advertisement
According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks account for an estimated 18,500 fires each year. Ten victims required amputation, while 39 percent of injuries were to the hand and 34 were to the eyes, head or neck.
Last year, two National Football League players made headlines by losing fingers in accidents involving fireworks.
The CPSC reports that 11 people died in 2015 in fireworks-related incidents in the U.S. The majority of people getting injured are males between the ages of 25-44 who are handling fireworks, while females are most often hurt at public fireworks displays. People who are considering using consumer fireworks should weigh the potential risks – injuries and the potential to start a fire – and put safety first.
The pyrotechnics can be dazzling, but they can also be unsafe, particularly at this time of year.
As Americans prepare to celebrate the nation’s 240th birthday, the Division of Fire Safety is reminding Missourians that professional fireworks shows offer the most exciting and entertaining sights – and are the safest way to enjoy fireworks.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
Libby and Marson suggest keeping a full bucket of water, as well as a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies. Ventura police, the city of Ventura Fire Department and California State Parks will have increased law enforcement presence on the sand and beachfront area to mitigate the use of illegal fireworks and to keep community members and their property safe.
While every firework varies and explodes differently, be sure to still give it proper distance and always use caution, Berlant said. Sparklers, which can burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees, are listed as the type of firework causing the most injuries. “Fireworks, along with sparklers and other related devices, are extremely risky”.
“You have some traditional fireworks such as sparklers and other what we call novelty items”, says Jerry Mixon, Co-Owner of BJ’s Fireworks. “Consumer fireworks are unsafe and the risks to personal safety and the safety of the community are significant”, says Lt. Brian Gamble, Vice President of the Professional Firefighters of Lake County.
Fireworks went on sale Tuesday and some organizations say they depend greatly on the money raised from their fireworks fundraisers.
– Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Advertisement
Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.
