If You Must Use Fireworks, Use Them Safely

American flags.       

Fireworks       

Parades       

The Fourth of July is a series of American traditions.       

But there is one tradition we can do without.       

A 52-year-old man lit an artillery shell type of firework with a large fuse. Either he did not move away from it in time, or he came back to check it after it was lit. The device exploded near the victim's face and his shirt caught on fire. The victim experienced first and second degree burns to about 40 percent of his body. He was taken to the hospital and later developed an infection. He died almost three weeks after the incident.       

A 19-year-old female lit a firework that was supposed to shoot into the air. Instead, the firework exploded, shattering the lens of her glasses and burning the skin around her eye. The victim was treated at an emergency room and then released.       

A 15-year-old male found some aerial fireworks that were discarded in the trash. Although designed to be launched from a tube, the victim placed a device on the ground and lit the fuse. The device then exploded causing burns to the victim's hand, face and chest. He was admitted to the hospital and released four days later.       

A 27-year-old man picked up about 30 sparklers and began to light them for children in the neighborhood. Several of the sparklers exploded, according to the victim, resulting in first degree burns to his hand. He was treated at an emergency room and released.       

In 2002 almost 9,000 people were taken to hospital emergency rooms in the United States because of injuries from fireworks - including bottle rockets, sparklers, and firecrackers. The good news is that number is down from 11,000 people in 2000, so increasing awareness about injury - and the fact that high-quality displays attract more people - has made a difference. The most common fireworks injuries involve the hands, fingers, eyes, head, and face. Some of these injuries are severe, resulting in permanent health problems such as missing fingers and limbs and vision loss.       

In recent years, fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment.       

"Safe and sane fireworks don't exist," says Dr. John Hall, NFPA assistant vice president of Fire Analysis and Research.       

We can do without the Fourth of July firework injury tradition – instead creating a new tradition of watching fireworks in the safest way possible - a professional display on television.     

Yes, even in person observers have been injured at professional fireworks shows due – for example – to an unexpected shift in the wind that lands a live firework in an area filled with viewers.       

But if you insist on seeing fireworks in person, the safest way to do that is at a show operated by professional fireworks display technicians.       

However, there will be some of you who will insist on handling your own fireworks, so here are some of the precautions you should take if you ignore the danger and illegality of personal fireworks.       

An adult MUST be present at all times when fireworks are being handled.       

Buy ready-made fireworks rather than making your own, even from a kit. Buy only legal fireworks that have a label with instructions for proper use. Follow all the directions on the label closely. If your fireworks don't have an instruction label, they're probably illegal to use.       

Choose fireworks that are appropriate for the area you'll be using them in. For example, avoid using rockets or other aerial fireworks in the backyard of a busy street. Choose fountain-type fireworks instead.       

Don't allow little kids to operate fireworks, even sparklers.       

Light one firework at a time. Keep the firework you're lighting far away from unlit fireworks.       

Always point fireworks away from spectators and if you are doing the lighting, wear eye protection and don't lean over the firework. If a firework doesn't seem to work, don't go over to it or attempt to relight it. Stand back for a while. If you can reach it with a hose or bucket without getting too close, douse it with water.       

Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away and store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.       

Always use fireworks outside with a bucket of water or hose nearby - keeping fireworks away from dry leaves and other materials that can easily catch on fire.       

If someone gets an eye injury from fireworks, don't rub the eye or attempt to wash it out. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. It could make the difference between saving a person's sight and permanent blindness.       

Remember the safest ways to watch fireworks this Fourth of July is a professional display on your television followed by a professional show in person.       

The worst and most dangerous way to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks is in your own backyard or neighborhood up close and personal. Be safe and enjoy!

~ SafetyIssues Staff Writer