Best wishes on July Fourth
July 04, 2015
As I’m sitting here writing this, someone nearby is setting off fireworks that are so loud they sound like bombs. I’m sure they’re illegal because fireworks are banned in Seattle.
If you are going to be setting off fireworks, be sure to do it safely.
While fireworks are part of the nation’s celebration of Independence Day, they can also bring injury, pain, and even death. About 230 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The commission urges consumers who decide to purchase legal fireworks to take these safety steps:
- Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them. View a fact sheet that has information on state fireworks rules.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
- Don’t buy fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
Copyright 2015, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist
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