Published: July 01, 2008 10:46 am         

Fireworks

A few words of caution

Lots of folks will be celebrating the Fourth of July in coming days by shooting off fireworks. We’d like to offer a few words of caution.

Fireworks are not toys. Handled carelessly, they can cause serious burns and eye injuries.

According to a report from the U.S. Fire Administration, injuries from fireworks increased from

8,800 in 2002 to 9,300 in 2003.

Children under the age of 15 suffered 45 percent of all injuries from fireworks.

Firecrackers were responsible for 1,600 injuries in 2003, followed by bottle rockets at 1,000 and sparklers at 700.

A 2-year-old child died in Florida in 2003 when a 3-year-old started a fire in a mobile home while playing with a sparkler.

That same year, a 38-year-old man in Iowa and an 18-year-old man in Michigan were killed while launching fireworks.

Fireworks caused more than 23,000 fires in 2002, resulting in $35 million in property loss and 75 injuries.

Clearly, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is through public displays conducted by professionals. Still, if you decide to try putting on your own show, use common sense.

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous in the hands of a child younger than 12.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

Have a designated shooter, and be sure everyone else is out of range. Lighting fireworks only on a smooth, flat surface away from the house and away from any combustible materials.

Always wear safety goggles.

If a firework fails to ignite, wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water before throwing it away. Never try to relight a dud.

Always have a hose or buckets of water close by.

Use fireworks only as they were intended to be used. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.

Never use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives. They can be deadly.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July.