Fireworks can threaten property and people

July 1, 8:51 PMMiami Home Improvement ExaminerKELLY OBRIEN-WRAY

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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading authority on fire, electrical and building safety, says legal or not, fireworks are too risky for amateurs.

• In 2006 for example, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, and $34 million in direct property damage.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
•  Additionally, in 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56 percent of these injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head.

The Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks (ASCF) is a group of health and safety organizations, coordinated by NFPA, that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. They also warn that after a firework display, children should never pick up fireworks they may find on the ground. The pyrotechnic devices may still be active and are extremely dangerous.

For more information on fireworks safety, please visit the NFPA website for more info on fireworks displays, and for a list of public displays in the Miami area, please keep your eye on the Examiner.com entertainment postings.