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Shooting your own fireworks? Safety tips to help make your 4th of July celebration a safe one.
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Every year right before the Fourth of July we begin to see and hear fireworks around our neighborhoods. This happens in spite of the fact that officials tell us that fireworks displays should be left to the professionals.
Last year 7,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries across the country, according to the National Fire Protection Association; 40 percent were kids. More than half of the injuries were burns to the arms, legs and hands. One out of five involved hot debris hitting people's eyes. Even something as innocent as a sparkler can cause serious damage. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees -- hot enough to melt gold -- and caused 22 percent of fireworks-related injuries in 2007, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Source: Sun Sentinel
The National Fire Protection and Safety Agency has founded the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks whose mission is to warn the public about the dangers that even legal fireworks can be pose. You can view their latest public service announcement starring Dan Doofus who urges people not to use consumer fireworks because they are too dangerous.
The rules governing what kind of fireworks are legal and what are illegal are constantly changing. In addition, some counties have their own ordinances preventing lighting any fireworks in certain areas such as beaches and/or parks. The general rule of thumb for the State of Florida regarding the purchase and use of consumer fireworks is as follows:
Legal: Sparklers, fountains and ground displays. These are typically found for sale at outside concession stands or in grocery stores.
Not Legal: Mortars, bottle rockets and firecrackers along with any fireworks that explode or leave the ground.
Businesses have found a way around selling the illegal fireworks.
Florida state statutes allow people to buy fireworks if they sign an affidavit saying they are using them for agricultural purposes or quarry blasting. At TNT Fireworks in Dania Beach, eager farmers and quarry blasters lined up to purchase fireworks Wednesday, with at least one person spending as much as $1,700 on whistling bottle rockets and Roman candles. The store expects traffic to continue through the holiday weekend. Source: Sun Sentinel
Anyone who is conscious after dark on any given Fourth of July can see and hear that the fireworks laws are not being enforced. With that in mind, if you do decide to purchase and light fireworks on your own, you are urged to follow these safety tips recommended by the National Counsel on Fireworks Safety:
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you!
If you decide to go out and see some professional displays of fireworks, some of our local examiners have provided a list of choices in both Dade and Broward County. You can see not only fireworks displays but parades, picnics and events all over South Florida. Just click on the links below to see what's happening in your area of town. Above all, have a happy and safe holiday.
Broward County Fourth of July Events
Learn 5 easy steps to taking great Fireworks Photography
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