Keep yourself and the environment safe during the 4th of July

The number of Americans planning to use backyard fireworks this Fourth of July is expected to hit an all-time high, according to The National Council on Fireworks Safety. Rarely do we consider these pleasing effects as being harmful, much less deadly. Brown says, fireworks used improperly, can also fill an emergency room.

Another danger associated with fireworks is fire damage. In 2015, USA fireworks consumption totaled 285.3 million pounds.

In 2014, US hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.

Age isn’t the only factor playing into fireworks injuries: Men are more likely to be hurt than women. Fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or one foot in the air are illegal. “Read the cautionary labels and know what they’re supposed to do before you buy them and especially, before you ignite them – some fireworks become airborne and if handled incorrectly, can land on a roof or in someone’s yard and potentially start a fire”.

Experts recommend, first, that people leave fireworks to the professionals trained to put on displays and observe such displays from a safe distance.

In San Diego County, all consumer fireworks are illegal.

Any use of commercial fireworks, in residential developments, should be reported.

Make sure there is adult supervision for all firework activities and never give fireworks to children.

Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk or other fire-resistant surface.

Do Not ignite fireworks on decks, balconies, or patios.

Finally, keep a bucket of water or a hose handy when shooting fireworks in case of fire.

Do Not wear loose clothing when using fireworks.

Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill.

Douglas also discouraged persons wanting to shoot off their own fireworks from drinking prior to doing so. Beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, the owners of that business set aside property for people to light off fireworks with Albany County sheriff’s deputies and Tie Siding volunteer firefighters nearby to provide quick aid in the event of an emergency. He advises people to not use fireworks in these dry vegetation zones.

Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Apparently in Albuquerque, it is a tradition to shoot off real guns into the air, along with fireworks, as part of the celebratory noisemaking.

“I’ve already had a big week and then you have the whole weekend and then there’s Monday”, Johnny Smith, Hot Times Fireworks Partner, said. What about all the fireworks stands everywhere?