Practice Fourth of July Firework Safety, Experts Warn

The Fourth of July is next weekend and millions of patriotic Americans are set to celebrate the nation’s birthday with plenty of apple pie, barbecue, and fireworks. However, consumer safety officials are already warning about the risks of serious burns and other injuries caused by the use of common types of fireworks.

According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by the use of sparklers – those handheld fireworks that burn brightly and produce lots of sparks. Sparklers are popular with many Independence Day revelers, including young children, but the fireworks can cause painful burns to hands, arms, and the face.

Other types of fireworks, such as firecrackers, M-80s, torpedoes, skyrockets, and roman candles, also account for many injuries and deaths each year, officials say.

Consumer fireworks were to blame for five deaths, 70 injuries, and more than 32,000 fires resulting in an estimated $34 million in property damage in 2006, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Many of those injuries and fires occurred on or around the Fourth of July.

Fireworks Safety Tips

In many cases, fireworks-related injuries can be reduced or prevented entirely by using some common sense and following a few basic safety tips. The council on fireworks safety gives the following advice:

• Keep sparklers away from children under age 12 without very close adult supervision

• Refrain from standing while using sparklers to prevent burns to legs and feet

• Adults should avoid holding children in their arms while using sparklers

• Wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers

• Remember that the sparkler wire and stick can remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Dip used sparklers directly into a bucket of water to prevent burns

• Don’t hand lit sparklers to others; rather, hand the sparkler off then light it

• Keep at least six feet of distance between you and other people using sparklers

• Never throw sparklers

• Teach children not to wave sparklers or to run while holding sparklers

By following these tips and being particularly mindful of children with sparklers and other types of fireworks, the Fourth of July can be a safe, happy, and festive holiday for all.

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