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Fireworks Safety
The Fourth of July can be a fun time for friends and families but the Stevens Point Fire Department would like to encourage everybody to keep safety in mind. Fireworks and celebration go together, especially at this time of the year, but fireworks can be dangerous and cause injury and even death. In 2007, there were eleven fireworks-related deaths in the United States. In addition, nearly 10,000 Americans, many young children and teenagers, were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Burns were the most common cause of injury with most of the injuries affecting hands, eyes and legs. Although not thought of often, fireworks also contribute to the threat of wildland fires, structure fires and vehicle fires. In the United States annually, over 2,000 reported structure or vehicle fires are caused by fireworks. The consequences of these fires include numerous deaths, multiple injuries and millions of dollars in direct property damage.
Wisconsin State statute section 167.10 allows consumers to possess the following fireworks: cylinder fountains, cone fountains, sparklers containing no magnesium, chlorate or perchlorate; small smoke devices and snakes containing no mercury. This law prohibits firecrackers, wheels, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, aerial salutes and bombs. A commonly used "rule of thumb" is that consumers are not allowed to possess any fireworks that explode or leave the ground.
The following are tips to keep your Fourth of July celebration safe if you choose to use fireworks:
- Make sure the fireworks are legal before buying or using them.
- Always purchase fireworks from a reliable, legitimate source.
- Always read and follow label instructions.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries to children caused by sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees; hot enough to melt some metals.
- Always read and follow label instructions.
- Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never have any portion of your body directly above a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Light only one item at a time and then move back quickly.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden house handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- After fireworks are completely spent, douse with plenty of water to prevent trash can fires.
- Make sure your outdoor area is safe for the use of fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
The best way to prevent fireworks injuries is to
leave the fireworks to the professionals. The Stevens Point Fire Department wants you to have a safe and happy
Independence Day.