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Dangers of Fireworks

Fireworks lead to thousands of injuries requiring emergency room treatment, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the US Fire Administration (USFA). Nearly 75% of all fireworks related incidents occur within a short period of time, during the weeks surrounding Independence Day.

These impressive, but dangerous, devices can cause burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness. In addition to approximately 8,500 direct injuries, fireworks also cause approximately 7,000 fires each year causing $40,000,000 in property damage.

The USFA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report that even sparklers, often given to young children to hold, burn at 2,000^oF. Sadly, 45% of fireworks related injuries involve children under the age of 15 according to a recent report published by USFA. Stay safe by always leaving fireworks to professionals.

The City of Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau encourages everyone to consider the following during this holiday season:

Treat all fireworks, whether legal or illegal for consumers, as suitable only for use by trained professionals. Attend public firework displays that are pre-arranged under controlled conditions.

Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

If you find fireworks, do not touch them but instead direct authorities to them.

Leave any area where amateurs are using fireworks.

Always have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help. And remember to practice your home escape plan.

More Information: Shelton Fire Marshals Office at 924-1555, CPSC website above or US Fire Administration website: www.usfa.fema.gov