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Be careful with fireworks on the Fourth of July

  • Published
  • By Matthew Reinhardt
  • 375th Civil Engineer Squadron
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Each year we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July with community parades, picnics, barbecues, and fireworks--the things of which happy memories are made. But sadly, Independence Day also includes tragic events resulting from improper use of fireworks.

Last year U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission, about 60 percent of these injuries occurred between June 22 and July 22. Of these:

· 74 percent of the injured were male and 26 percent were females.

· Children under 15 years old accounted for 30 percent of the estimated injuries.

· Children and young adults under 20 years accounted for 46 percent of the injuries.

· The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (41 percent), legs (13 percent), eyes (12 percent), and head, face, and ears (19 percent).

· More than half of the injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to all parts of the body except the eyes, where contusions, lacerations, and foreign bodies in the eye occurred more frequently.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is through public displays conducted by professional pyro-technicians hired by communities. If you live in a community that allows the use of fireworks here are a few safety tips to follow:

· Use fireworks outdoors only.

· Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

· Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).

· Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.

· Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and place it in a bucket of water.

· Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

· Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

· Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers.

· Do not use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill. Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Fireworks at Scott Air Force Base are prohibited.

Remember, in the event an emergency dial 911, provide the dispatcher the nature of the emergency, location of the emergency, your name and call back number. Report all fires even if the fire has been extinguished.

Have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July weekend. Remember, fire safety begins with you.

For additional information, call the Scott AFB Fire Prevention office at 256-3378.