As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks are everywhere, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to warn Americans of the dangers fireworks pose.
Some 10,000 people were treated in the United States for fireworks-related injuries last year and more than half of those happened around the Fourth of July holiday.
"It is the misuse of legal fireworks or the use of illegal fireworks that can turn a day of celebration into tragedy," said Nancy Nord, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The CPSC recommends several safety tips to reduce injuries when using fireworks.
- Preparation
Obey local laws, including ban of fireworks due to drought.
Buy fireworks from a reliable, licensed dealer.
Read and follow all directions.
Do not alter any fireworks or attempt to make fireworks.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Safety glasses are recommended for the person lighting or nearby the fireworks, such as a helper.
- Location and Conditions
Keep a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby.
Use fireworks outdoors, never indoors.
Use in a clear, open area.
Keep spectators a safe distance from the show.
Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions and light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators.
- Fireworks Use
Don't allow children to handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
Designate one person to ignite fireworks.
Light only one firework item at a time.
Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any fireworks.
Never smoke when handling fireworks.
Drinking alcohol and using fireworks do not mix.
Never aim, point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Fireworks law provisions:
Fireworks may be used only on the user's property; or on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks; or at a special discharge location.
Fireworks can be purchased only by persons 18 years of age or older and children may possess or use any kind of firework only when an adult is present.
Penalties for violating the fireworks law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person's death.
On Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day and New Year's Eve, fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to midnight. Any other day of the year fireworks may be discharged from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Local laws may further affect fireworks use.
The IDHS Fire & Building Safety Division recommends Hoosiers check the fireworks they purchase to ensure they contain the following information:
- Class "C"
Consumer Fireworks
1.4 g
Call the CPSC hotline at 800-638-2772 if you find "Class B" on your fireworks.
Facts (According NFPA statistics)
- Approximately 95-percent of all fireworks are produced in China.
In 2006, 49% of emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 46% were to the head.
55% of the 2006 fireworks injuries were burns, while 30% were contusions and lacerations.
One-third of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 28% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2006.
