Published: July 02, 2008 11:45 pm            

Playing it safe on the Fourth

Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand, but just keep safety in mind.

Although many people set off fireworks in their backyards, experts say attending a supervised professional show is a safer bet.

“We definitely recommend that you leave the fireworks to the professionals, because they know what they are doing. It’s their job,” said Julie Nagle, the visual services rehabilitation coordinator for the Cambria County Association for the Blind and Handicapped.

“We don’t want people to get injured, especially with injuries related to the eyes.”

According to recent figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an estimated 9,200 people were treated in emergency rooms across the country in 2006 as a result of the mishandling of fireworks. Children ages 15 and younger account for 36 percent of all fireworks injuries.

“I think teenagers don’t understand the proper way to handle fireworks,” Nagle said. “We stress adult supervision and tell parents they need to be aware of what their kids are doing at all times.”

State law prohibits any combustible or explosive composition prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect – such as firecrackers,

skyrockets, Roman candles or aerial fireworks.

The unauthorized sale or use of such fireworks can result in fines, jail time or both.

Sparklers are legal and a favorite among children, but they burn at 1,800 degrees.

“You don’t think they can get that hot, but it is metal that is on fire, so you need to be extremely careful,” Nagle said.

The common firecracker also is a popular choice – and a leading cause of accidents. Many contain 200 percent or more flash powder than federal safety standards allow. For example, the M-80 firecracker is more powerful than an eighth of a stick of dynamite.

Dr. Daniel Wehner, chairman of the emergency department at Memorial Medical Center, said three injuries he commonly sees from fireworks are to the hands and eyes and burns to the body.

“We see people holding sparklers too long and their fingers are burned,” he said.

“Every few years, we’ll have someone who loses an eye because a firework exploded too close to their face.”

Wehner said men in their

20s and 30s make up the majority of fireworks patients. “Most of them are intoxicated and should know better,” he said. “At least one person a year comes in with their fingers blown off.”

He said people need to respect fireworks.

“They may blow up quicker than you’d think, and it’s difficult to accurately predict how high they will go when not done by a professional,” Wehner said.

“Basically, don’t hold onto fireworks. Run away after you light them, keep kids away from them and don’t drink alcohol, because it impairs your judgment.”

Nagle said many people don’t take the dangers of fireworks seriously because they’ve used them for years without incident.

“Fireworks are a family tradition, and they bring back many childhood memories,” she said.

“People don’t think anything can happen, but you have to use your better judgment and think through what you are doing.”

        

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