Tips for a safe and happy Fourth of July
Submitted by: Kevin Chertkow

Fourth of July is the greatest. The smell of barbeques cooking all sorts of meats around the neighborhood, the children running around screaming with excitement as they wave around sparklers. The occasional machine gun blast of a string of firecrackers going off, as the anticipation for a grand firework finally grows nearer. The Fourth of July is such a wonderful celebration for everybody as long as common sense and firework safety is used.

I have heard countless stories from people's past about the crazy things they have done with fireworks. I may even have a few myself. Looking back on those events as an adult and having children of my own, I feel pretty lucky nobody was seriously injured. I can only hope that teaching my children firework safety will help them make safer decisions when they are older. It is important for children to realize the dangers of fireworks.

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), more fires are reported in the United States on the Fourth of July than any other day. More than half of these fires are caused by fireworks. In 2008, more than half of emergency room firework related injuries were on peoples extremities (mostly hands and fingers) and a third of the injuries were to the head. What is even more surprising is the percentage of injuries caused by sparklers.

Quick Firework Fact:
Did you know that water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheight, a cake bakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheight, wood burns at 575 degrees Fahrenheight, glass melts at 900 degrees Fahrenheight and the tip of a sparkler burns at more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheight? At 1,200 degrees Fahrenheight, third-degree burns are likely to happen.


Here are some firework safety tips:

• Use good common sense and teach by setting an example.

• Always read the instructions carefully before lighting a firework.

• Sparklers that appeared to have gone out could still be very hot. It would be a good Idea to have a bucket of water or sand to drop them in so nobody steps on the hot debris.

• It is a good idea to wear cloths that will protect like cotton or long denim pants. It is also a good idea to think about eye protection, covered shoes and in some cases ear protection.

• Like in every case when dealing with dangerous things, do not drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs when using fireworks.

• Do not attempt to light fireworks that have become wet. Store fireworks in a dry place and make sure they are out of the reach of children.

• Never toss or point fireworks at another person or animal.

• Do not try to re-light a malfunctioning firework. Malfunctioning fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water before disposing.

• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fires.

• When lighting fireworks, consider the direction of the wind and wind speed. Never light fireworks if the wind is too strong.

• Keep a first aid kit nearby for treatment of burns and a phone for an emergency. If a burned should occur in any area above the shoulders, seek medical attention immediately.

• Always clean up used and unused fireworks when you are finished. Children have a habit of looking for unexploded fireworks. Dispose of fireworks properly.

• Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.

• Use fireworks outdoors in approved areas only, and away from buildings and dry grassy areas.

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!