United States Fire Administration Seeks A Safer July 4th For All Residents
Release Date: July 2, 2008
Release Number: FNF-08-058
Washington D.C -- Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires each year, especially during the weeks before and after the Fourth of July. Parents need to be especially vigilant during this period, ensuring children do not possess fireworks or mishandle legal ones. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays.
"Across the nation, residents will celebrate the birth of our nation with fireworks," said U.S. Fire Administrator Gregory Cade. "Fireworks become bigger, brighter, and more dangerous each year. By taking some simple steps for safety, those choosing to use fireworks can ensure they will not end their celebrations by seeking medical treatment for injuries by their use."
Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires each year. Because fireworks can be dangerous and deadly, the safest way to enjoy them is through public displays. Parents need to be especially vigilant during this period in assuring that children do not possess dangerous fireworks or mishandle legal ones. Statistics maintained by the fireworks industry indicate that last year Americans used 280 million pounds of display and backyard pyrotechnics. Industry specialists have once again forecasted a growth in sales during 2008. Therefore, the USFA joins with the CPSC to recommend the following safety procedures when using fireworks during the days surrounding our nations birthday
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often dont realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees hot enough to melt some metals.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- 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.
Additional information regarding safety issues and the dangers of fireworks can be seen at:
www.usfa.dhs.gov/downloads/pdf/tfrs/v5i4.pdf.
The USFA reminds everyone to have a comprehensive fire protection plan that includes smoke alarms, residential sprinklers and practicing a home fire escape plan
Last Modified: Wednesday, 02-Jul-2008 18:37:43