Fireworks Safety 

Summer celebrations are underway and West Virginians are busy with cookouts,
family reunions, and community parades. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn
to tragedy for families, especially when children and teenagers are killed or permanently
injured by so-called “safe and sane” fireworks. 
“ANY fireworks-type materials are dangerous. No one should fool themselves that items
that are widely accepted to be “safe” truly are. Sparklers can burn hot enough to melt gold    
and cause third-degree burns. So why are we letting our children and grandchildren use them?
We wouldn’t hand them matches or lighters, and they don’t burn as hot as sparklers.”

Frightening Facts….  

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks consistently
cause more damage to property than all other outdoor fire causes combined for the Fourth
of July (day) in the United States.
•According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 92% of the fireworks injuries treated in
hospital emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit
consumers to use.
•"Safe and sane” fireworks are neither.  Fireworks and sparklers are designed to
explode or throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1200°F—
that’s hot enough to melt some metals.
•Risk of fire death relative to time used shows fireworks as the riskiest consumer
product.
•An estimated 30,100 fires are caused by fireworks each year.
•An estimated 7,000 people were treated for injuries caused by fireworks in 2008,
and 7 people died.  
•Although careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths nationally, the chances
of someone dying in a fire caused by fireworks is three times greater than the         
corresponding risk when a cigarette is in use.
•Burns are the leading cause of injury from fireworks, followed by lacerations and contusions, all primarily involving the fingers, hands, eyes, and facial area.

How Can You Prevent Fireworks Injuries?

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office advises that the best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home—period. By far, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend an outdoor public display put on by specially trained pyrotechnic professionals.
•If you’re going to use sparklers and novelties (the ONLY items permitted by law) USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.  Older children should be closely super-vised and younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks at all. 
•BEFORE USING ANY LEGAL FIREWORKS, read and follow all warning instructions printed on the label.
•LIGHT ALL ITEMS OUTSIDE in a clear area away from houses, away from yard debris such as grass, brush, leaves, etc., and away from flammable materials (gasoline cans, newspapers, etc.).
•ALWAYS KEEP A BUCKET OF WATER nearby for emergencies and for    pouring on items that fail to ignite.
•NEVER TRY TO RELIGHT or handle malfunctioning fireworks.  Douse and soak them with water, then properly dispose of them.
•ALWAYS make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Also be aware that pets have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk of injury.
•KEEP unused fireworks away from firing areas.

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