According to the National Fire Safety Council, an estimated 8,300 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks each year. Approximately 50% of the injuries are burns. Most of the injuries involve the hands, eyes, or head. Nearly half of the victims are under the age of 15. Only use legal fireworks with extreme caution. Older children should be closely supervised, and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks. Read and follow all warnings and instructions. Remember, in Manatee County, if fireworks explode (pop, boom or bang), leave the ground, or shoot a projectile, they are illegal. Some safety concerns that should be kept in mind are:  * Sparklers, considered by many as “safe,” burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing and stay very hot for a long time after burning out. They are as dangerous as matches and lighters to children. Be sure to collect all burned out sparklers for disposal. * Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close supervision. * Never allow any running or horseplay with fireworks. * Use lighters with child resistant features. Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach. * Light fireworks outdoors, one at a time, on a clear, smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves, grass or other flammable or combustible materials.  * Keep a bucket or pail of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on misfired (duds) or spent fireworks. * Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks (duds). Douse and soak them with water and throw them away. Never attempt to light damaged fireworks. * Be sure other people and pets are out of range. * Never experiment with fireworks or ignite them in glass or metal containers. Do not attempt to make your own fireworks. * Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas. Store them in a dry, cool place out of the reach of children. * Dispose of all fireworks properly. |