Fire/rescue organizations are coming out in force in the run-up to this year's Fourth of July celebrations to remind rescuers and revelers alike about the dangers of fireworks.
"Each year, nearly 10,000 people are treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries and many of these injuries go hand-in-hand with Fourth of July celebrations," said NFPA president James M. Shannon in a prepared statement. "...it is unacceptable that thousands of people are being injured by a product that is legal in most states. We suggest attending public fireworks displays put on by trained professionals."
According to the NFPA, on Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires.
NFPA is the coordinator and co-founder of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a national group of health and safety organizations that have joined together to take a stand against the use of consumer fireworks. Video PSAs, audio interviews, statistics, safety tips and materials are available at www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
Only five states have banned all consumer fireworks: Massachusetts, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.
Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker of the National Transportation Safety Board also prompted Americans to keep safety in mind when celebrating this weekend. "Everyone enjoys celebrating Independence Day - and it is
important to do so," he said. "The NTSB would simply
like to remind Americans to take some time to think about
the safety of themselves as well as others while enjoying
the festivities."
The Coast Guard Auxiliary released a statement asking the public to be more aware of their surroundings, including watching the weather, celebrating responsibly and understanding the hazards of boating under the influence of alcohol and misusing flares as fireworks.
The U.S. Fire Administration also released a list of tips regarding consumer fireworks to be shared with communities.
"Fireworks account for a large number of preventable fires and injuries," said USFA Acting Administrator Glenn Gaines in a prepared statement. "Firefighters everywhere know too well the Fourth of July is a dangerous time for unnecessary fires and serious burns and injuries."
Their tips are:
- Observe local laws.
Finally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated fireworks-related injuries from their National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Highlights of the report are as follows:
- CPSC staff has reports of 7 fireworks-related deaths during 2008. Two people were killed in incidents involving aerial and display fireworks. One person died in a fire where a firework was the ignition source. Three people were killed in incidents involving homemade fireworks. One person, on oxygen, suffered serious burns when a firecracker exploded near his face. He died 18 days later in the hospital. CPSC staff has reports of 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2007.
- Fireworks were involved in an estimated 7,000 injuries treated in U. S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2008 (95 percent confidence interval 5,200 -- 9,000). CPSC staff estimated that there were 9,800 fireworks-related injuries during 2007.
There were an estimated 800 injuries associated with sparklers and 300 with bottle rockets.
To view the entire CPSC 2008 Fireworks Annual Report, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2008fwreport.pdf
