Fireworks during the Fourth of July are as American as apple-pie, but did you know that more than twice the number of fires are reported on that day than on any other day of the year in the United States? Two out of five of these fires are caused by fireworks. The good news is you can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, with just a few simple safety tips:
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
- Leave fireworks to the professionals.
- Do not use consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks include sparklers and firecrackers. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
- After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
Fireworks facts:
- Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.
- The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5–14.
- More than 80% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks consumers are permitted to use.
The preceding information was provided by the National Fire Prevention Association. The reminds residents that fireworks of any kind are illegal in Monrovia.
