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Safety precautions are needed for the Fourth

Fireworks on the Fourth are dangerous

BY KAREN BOLIPATA

Date published: 7/3/2007

BY KAREN BOLIPATA

Sparklers, in their stationary and nonexplosive glory, seem to be the ideal Fourth of July childhood fare.

But, health safety officials say, they're more dangerous than you might think.

They burn at more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and, between June and July of 2005, were associated with more than half of the estimated fireworks-related injuries in children under 5, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Reggie Phillips of the Fredericksburg Fire Department advises parents to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers.

"Use common sense," he added.

Most injuries occur when people don't use safety precautions.

In 2005, more than 10,000 were treated in emergency departments, according to the center. Most injuries involved burns to the hands and fingers.

Children ages 10 to 14 had the highest rates of fireworks-related injuries. Younger children are most vulnerable because they often lack physical coordination.

In Fredericksburg, Phillips said there haven't been reports of serious injuries caused by fireworks in the past five years.

"I guess you could say we're lucky or blessed," he said.

Dry leaves pose another safety hazard. Even one spark could set off wildfires, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry. Since January, nearly 1,000 wildfires have depleted more than 10,000 acres in Virginia.

"Even green leaves can be deceiving," John Miller, chief of the forestry department, said in a statement. "Many areas around the Commonwealth are very dry."

For anyone who opts to enjoy fireworks at home this year instead of at public shows like the one over the Rappahannock River, the center advises to use safety precautions. In general, leave it to professionals.

Karen Bolipata: 540/374-5000
Email: kbolipata@freelancestar.com

Purchase fireworks from reliable sellers. Never attempt to make your own devices and do not purchase or use kits that are advertised for making fireworks. Read and follow all label directions and warnings. Use outdoors only and have a garden hose or fire extinguisher handy. Light one firework at a time in a clearing at least 30 feet away from buildings, vehicles and shrubbery. Use eye protection when handling fireworks. Ignite fireworks using an extended lighting device to remain as far away as possible from the fuse. Never attempt to re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water). Never allow children to light or handle fireworks. Never throw or point fireworks at other people. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. Dispose of fireworks safely by soaking them in water and then placing them in the trash can. The noise and bright light caused by fireworks can frighten animals. Consider moving pets and farm animals away from the site. Source: Stafford Fire and Rescue Department

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Date published: 7/3/2007