TALLAHASSEE Fla.-- The Tallahassee Police Department is encouraging residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals this year.
Fireworks represent a hallmark of Independence Day celebrations, but officials say consumer fireworks are extremely dangerous and cause thousands of injuries and fires each year.
"The Fourth of July is a busy time of year for our firefighters," said Fire Chief Jerome Gaines. "Following just a few safety tips can keep us from being a part of your holiday."
The latest numbers from the Consumer Product Safety Commission show that roughly 10,000 people are hospitalized annually. Of these people, almost half are children under 15 years old. More fires occur nationally on the July 4 than any other day of the year. Burn injuries can also be the most painful type of injury and require a very long recovery.
The Tallahassee Fire Department (TFD) suggests the best way to enjoy fireworks is to catch a local fireworks show like Celebrate America, which takes place on Monday, July 4, at Tom Brown Park beginning at 5:30 p.m. If you plan to use legal fireworks at home, TFD encourages the following:
· Any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal, unless it has the "Class C - Common Fireworks" stamp. · Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap. · An adult should always be present to supervise the use of fireworks. · Just because the fireworks are legal does not mean that they are safe. Even sparklers can reach up to 1,200 degrees. · Never point or throw fireworks at another person. · Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers. · After fireworks complete their burning, soak the used firework with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
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