Take common sense precautions to prevent fireworks injuries this July 4th

July 1, 9:19 AMChild Safety ExaminerSusan Carney

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As plans are made for the 4th of July holiday weekend, fireworks tents spring up along roadsides across the country. It’s a sight that seems as American as apple pie, yet many people may be unaware of how dangerous it can be to set off their own fireworks at home.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in the year 2007, 6300 people were seen at emergency rooms due to injuries sustained from fireworks accidents just around the time of July 4th alone. Nearly half of the injured were children under age 15. Believe it or not, sparklers, which are usually (incorrectly) thoughts of as a safer alternative to “real fireworks”, accounted for a majority of the injuries to children under age four, according to Prevent Blindness America. In fact, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees.

Illegal explosives are often easy to spot if consumers know what to look for. They are often wrapped in brown paper packaging, contain no safety warnings, and do not list the place of manufacture. Cherry Bombs, and Quarter Sticks are the names of some of the illegally sold fireworks.  If someone tries to sell fireworks out of their home or car, its likely that they are illegal explosives.

In 1976, the CPSC adopted safety standards that all legally sold fireworks must now adhere to. Since then, the National Council on Fireworks Safety reports, fireworks injuries have gone down by 84%. However, illegally obtained fireworks, or legal fireworks which are not used properly or responsibly, can still present a danger of injury (or in some cases, even death) to both children and adults.

The National Council for Fireworks Safety offers the following safety suggestions for people who choose to have at-home fireworks displays:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable (licensed) sellers.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

Be sure that the person setting off the fireworks knows what he or she is doing, and is not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Though they may be extremely curious, keep kids a safe distance away from the fireworks. Or, to play it really safe, attend local fireworks displays run by professionals.