Safely celebrate 4th

Fireworks can be dazzling displays of skycast sparkle and pizzazz. And, they can put people in the hospital.
In fact, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission ‘s (CPSC) latest data, 9,800 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2007. That’s an increase from the previous year’s 9,200. Just under half of those injured were under the age of 15.
Sparklers, in particular, were responsible for the greatest number of fireworks-related injuries, according to the CPSC; firecrackers and rockets were the second-leading cause of injury.
Jimmy Maass, safety coordinator for the Virginia Farm Bureau said all fireworks can be dangerous-especially in the hands of youngsters.
“We don’t advocate children use or play with fireworks, but if they do, they should be five years old or older and should have close and constant parental supervision,“ Maass said.
Showers of sparks and whizzing, screaming light shows can be a dramatic way to celebrate the Fourth with fireworks. But the drama’s not the same when the lights and sirens come from ambulances and fire trucks.
Orange County Department of Fire and EMS Training Captain Tom Joyce said this time of year, crews are prepared to respond to calls related to fireworks injuries. Joyce said nationally, burns are the most common injuries fire and rescue crews see.
National Council of Fireworks Safety President Ralph Apel said consumer fireworks should be purchased only from a licensed seller-not from someone on the street, or out of an individual’s house. Those, Apel said, are likely to be illegal and could be lethal.
Consumer fireworks are regulated by the CPSC and are packaged with instructions and safety warnings. They’re easily identified by brightly colored wrappings and packages which indicate the country of origin.
Illegal fireworks, on the other hand, are wrapped in plain brown paper without labeling or safety information. These are manufactured in basements and illicit factories. Joyce said nationally, the highest number of deaths associated with fireworks are attributed to illegal fireworks.
Maass’ advice is to use fireworks only outside, and only after reading all instructions and warnings. A hose-turned on-or a fire extinguisher should be nearby and accessible to prevent injury or fire, he added. If a “dud” doesn’t do its thing, Maass said the safe solution is not to re-light it, but to wait 15 or 20 minutes until it cools and then soak it in water.