The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that during the month around the 4th of July, 280 people visit emergency departments every day with firework-related injuries.
Last year 8 people were killed and almost 13,000 were injured by fireworks, the majority of those happening on or around the 4th of July. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the following if using fireworks:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department woke up early on ABC15 Mornings to demonstrate how to safely use legal fireworks and remind that you should always have a hose and bucket of water on hand.
Arizona State Law allows legal fireworks to be used from June 24th to July 6th. For a look at what is legal and what is not legal, click here. https://www.phoenix.gov/firesite/Documents/083287.pdf
