A blast isn't always a good thing<br>Firework safety tips

Published June 30, 2010
81st Training Wing Safety Office and Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- *NOTE: Please remain vigilant of current oil spill updates as they may affect beach availability for 4th of July firework demonstrations off highway 90. Go to http://biloxi.ms.us/Oil_Spill/index.html for further information.*

Dry weather in south Mississippi makes fireworks a dangerous proposition for Independence Day.

James Palmer, Keesler's fire prevention chief, stressed that fireworks are strictly prohibited on base and in surrounding cities, but fireworks continue to be sold in Harrison and Jackson counties outside city limits.

"Some people insist on buying and using them, regardless of the dangers," Mr. Palmer said.

A June 2010 report from the National Fire Prevention Association noted that in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms.

About 53 percent involve injuries to the extremities and 37 percent to the head. About 40 percent of the injuries involved young people under the age of 15.

Sparklers, often considered "safe" for young children, caused 22 percent of the injuries, and small firecrackers accounted for 18 percent.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet from the launch area.

For people who opt to light their own fireworks, here are some safety reminders:

Fireworks are not toys. They burn at about the same temperature as a household match.

Buy fireworks from reliable merchants.

Never attempt to make your own homemade fireworks. Mixing chemical powders can result in an untimely explosion that can cause death or injuries.

Know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are federally-banned explosives that can cause serious injury or even death. If you know of anyone selling such devices, contact your local police department.

Different fireworks mean different hazards, so read the instructions on each one and follow them carefully.

Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use.

Light the tip of each firework at arm's length, using a fireworks lighter or fuse wick. Move back immediately.

Light one firework or sparkler at a time. Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher, not from glass or metal containers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure that anyone holding one wears gloves and puts each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it's gone out.

Never give fireworks to small children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is necessary.

Don't throw fireworks onto a bonfire.

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

Don't carry fireworks in your pocket.

Always ignite fireworks outdoors.

Never throw fireworks at another person.

If a firework doesn't go off, it could still be live and could go off unexpectedly. Douse the "dud" with water, then bury it.

Pets hate bangs and flashes and get frightened around fireworks, so keep pets indoors and close curtains to make things calmer.

Before lighting any fireworks, make sure enough room is available in a safe place.

Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and for disposing of used sparklers.

Loose clothing or scarves can catch on fire very easily. If clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground and roll over to put out the flames.

Drinking alcohol adds to the danger when there are fireworks and bonfires around.
Consider not having any alcoholic drinks available until after all fireworks have been set off.

For more information, call the safety office, 377-2910, or fire prevention office, 377-8441.

Fireworks follies can ruin 4th of July celebrations