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Stay Safe Celebrating America’s Birthday
Leigh-Anne Dennison, Managing Editor, RedCross.org
Tuesday, July 04, 2006 — Often beginning even before the calendar page turns from June to July, the sight and sounds of fireworks begin, reaching a crescendo today after dark as communities across the country celebrate America’s birthday.
Attending a public display is the best, safest way to enjoy holiday fireworks, and in many states, it is the only way. Five states ban all types of consumer fireworks and six others only permit sparkles for use by the non-professionals. Obey the laws of your state and follow the recommendations of manufacturers and safety experts when handling fireworks. Stay informed regarding local conditions and weather-related bans on fireworks use this hot, dry summer. (Photo Credit: Courtesy of OSHA.gov)
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While fireworks and the 4th of July are synonymous, outdoor fires and injuries also are closely associated with this holiday tradition. On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks cause more reported outdoor fires in the United States than all other causes of outdoor fire combined, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Dry weather and even drought conditions throughout parts of the country this year could make fireworks use an even riskier proposition this July 4th.
With many communities—including but not limited to areas in Texas, Mississippi and Colorado—already under burn bans, some officials are extending bans to prohibit the use of fireworks as well. At least one county in South Dakota has canceled its scheduled public fireworks displays as a precaution. As with local emergencies, the American Red Cross encourages the public to stay informed about local situations and heed the instructions and guidance of officials and safety experts.
In June 2006, the safety experts at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published its annual report indicating that fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms during 2005, up over the previous year’s 9,600 cases. The report cited a statistically significant upward trend in fireworks injuries since 1996.
Conducted during a one-month period beginning two weeks before and continuing two weeks after the Independence Day holiday (June 18 to July 18, 2005), the study found that approximately 60 percent of all fireworks-related injuries took place during that period, and most involved individuals under the age of 20.
The best way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals who know how to handle pyrotechnics. While chances of injury from a public display are low, following a few guidelines can ensure that the show is safe and enjoyable for everyone:
- Respect monitors and ushers as well as any safety barriers set up, resisting the temptation to get a closer look.
- Leave consumer fireworks, including sparklers, at home.
- If any part of a firework falls to the ground, do not touch it.
- And, keep pets far from fireworks displays of any kind and safe inside the house. The loud noises can hurt sensitive ears and scare animals, prompting even the most docile pet to behave erratically or run away.
The CPSC and the U.S. Fire Administration offer these tips for the safe use of consumer fireworks.
- First and foremost, make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only buy from an established retail outlet, never experiment with homemade fireworks and always follow the directions on the label.
- Second, only use fireworks outdoors, never light more than one at a time and move away from it quickly – never attempt to relight a “dud.”
- Third, have a responsible adult in charge, never give fireworks to children and keep a bucket of water handy to douse fireworks to dispose of them properly.
- Finally, fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry place away from children and pets and should never be thrown or pointed toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
Using common sense, opting to attend public displays rather than creating your own and following safety recommendations when using legal consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and other fireworks-related disasters this year. For additional summer safety information, visit RedCross.org.
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