Fireworks follies threaten Fourth of July festivities Published June 26, 2007 81st Training Wing Safety Office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The lingering drought in south Mississippi makes fireworks a dangerous proposition for Independence Day. Additionally, many beachfront viewing areas in east Biloxi are still closed as debris from Hurricane Katrina continues to be cleared. 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. Although fireworks are a traditional part of many holiday celebrations, reckless or illegal use can be a serious threat. An April 2007 report from National Fire Prevention Association noted that in 2005, the most recent year for which statistics are available, 10,800 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms, the second-highest total in the past decade. About 95 percent of those injuries involved fireworks that federal regulations permit consumers to use, with 48 percent of injuries to the extremities and 44 percent to the head. Burns made up 54 percent of the injuries, while 29 percent were contusions and lacerations. Nearly half of the people injured were under the age of 15. Small firecrackers accounted for 31 percent of the injuries, followed by rockets at 21 percent. Sparklers, often considered "safe" for young children, caused 20 percent of the injuries. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an outdoor public display put on by professionals. For safety's sake, stay in the designated viewing area. To get the full effect of the display, view from about 500 feet from the launch area. For people who opt to light their own fireworks, here are some safety reminders and guidelines: Fireworks are not toys. They burn at about the same temperature as a household match. They can cause burn injuries and ignite clothing if used improperly. Buy fireworks from reliable merchants. Never attempt to make your own homemade fireworks. Mixing chemical powders can result in an untimely and unwelcome 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. Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Different fireworks mean different hazards, so read the instructions on each one and follow them carefully. 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 there's enough room 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. Susan Griggs, Keesler News staff, contributed to this report.