KNOW YOUR FIREWORKS!
Residents are warned of Illegal Explosives and Urged to Follow
Consumer Fireworks Safety Tips
Everyone
enjoys fireworks, particularly in the festive Fourth of July season. But they can be dangerous.
The National
Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand.
Never buy
firework devices from an individual’s house, or out of someone’s car. Such
fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that can seriously injure you.
Consumer
fireworks regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission are packaged in bright colors and have safety warnings on the
packaging.
Illegal explosives
are often unpackaged and are wrapped with plain brown paper. They are very unlikely
to have any safety warnings, or place of manufacture. If someone approaches you to sell one of these illegal explosives,
politely decline and then call your local police department.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”),
approximately 16% of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers burning hands and legs, with the majority of
sparkler injuries occurring to young children. In fact, sparkler injuries account for 1/3 of all firework injuries to children
5 years or younger. Let’s teach our children how to use them safely and
help prevent needless injuries.
Please follow these important safety tips:
- Sparkles should ALWAYS be used under close
adult supervision. Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination.
- Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
- Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after
the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
• Only use fireworks outdoors.
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to young children and always wear safety glasses.
• Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, nearby.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix!