TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Nearly 10,000 people are hospitalized from fireworks accidents every year in the United States. Almost half of all fireworks accidents involve children under the age of 15.
With New Year's coming up, the Tallahassee Fire Department is reminding you to stay safe. Officials are urging residents to pay close attention when using fireworks at home.
TFD recommends keeping a bucket of water handy in case a fire starts.
The only legal type of fireworks in Tallahassee have a "Class C" label. TFD says just because a firework is legal doesn't necessarily mean it's safe.
Officials recommend a "designated shooter," but prefer leaving fireworks to the professionals.
"Fireworks could injure you. Burn injuries are the most significant injuries, painful injuries," said Captain Mike Bellamy. "[Fireworks] could also start a fire, maybe destroying some of your property -- maybe even your home."
TFD is in its last week of its "Keep the Wreath Green" program to raise awareness about holiday home fires.
So far, ten of the wreath's 50 bulbs have changed from green to red to represent the number of fires during the course of the program.
