With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
The Hill Air Force Base Fire Department would like to remind everyone that the use of fireworks on base is prohibited. Many of you will however use fireworks off base so practice firework safety to have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. In 2003, six deaths were linked to fireworks and hospital emergency departments treated 9,300 fireworks injuries.
The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals.
Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local fire department first. Utah laws dictate which type of fireworks are permitted for consumers to use, also which types are prohibited, and the times of the year they can be sold and used.
If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:
•Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800¬° Fahrenheit (982¬° Celsius) -- hot enough to melt gold.
•Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled) and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster or quarter-pounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
•Never try to make your own fireworks.
•Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
•Be mindful of the wind and prevent sparks and embers from blowing back your way or into dry grass or other combustible material.
•Steer clear of others fireworks, they've been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
•Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket.
•Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
•Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
•Don't allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
•Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
•Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they'll run loose or get injured.
•If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don't flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention -- your child's eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Transport to a hospital or emergency department facility.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Take extra precautions this Fourth of July and your holiday will be a blast!
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