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Call the National Council on Fireworks Safety at 202 349-7127 for more information.
Fourth of July Fireworks Expected to Break All Records
Safety group urges consumers to celebrate safely, offers safety tips
Bethesda, Maryland (June 11, 2002) — The National Council on Fireworks Safety is urging Americans to take extra care when celebrating with fireworks this Fourth of July. The safety education group expects the use of fireworks to rise dramatically as Americans celebrate with a renewed sense of pride and patriotism.
"The truly American tradition of celebrating with fireworks on the Fourth of July will be stronger than ever this year," says a spokesperson for the National Council on Fireworks Safety. "But with record numbers expected, the need for safety becomes critical."
Legal fireworks are safer than ever, in part because of stringent federal safety guidelines enacted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1976, says the spokesperson. But she says injuries can be cut further by following a few simple guidelines and one in particular.
"Only use legal fireworks," she says. "The key, of course, is being able to recognize what's legal and what's not. Legal fireworks conform to the standards. Illegal ones do not."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that legal fireworks show the name of the item, the name of the manufacturer or distributor and easy-to-read cautionary labeling and instructions for proper use. Currently there are 42 states plus the District of Columbia that allow the use of some or all types of fireworks.
"Commonly used fireworks include cones, fountains, aerial items and sparklers," the spokesperson says. "But before setting off any fireworks, contact your local police or fire department to make sure fireworks are allowed in your area."
Illegal devices include cherry bombs, silver salutes and M80s. They have been federally banned since 1966 because of the large amounts of explosive material they contain.
"Don't confuse these items with legal, consumer fireworks. Illegal devices will usually be unlabeled, will not bear a caution statement and will not list the manufacturer's name," the spokesperson says. "Illegal explosive devices are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injuries. If you find any illegal items, or know of anyone selling them, contact your local police immediately."
The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday:
* Always read and follow label directions
* Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
* Buy from reliable sources
* Ignite outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles
* Keep a bucket of water handy
* Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
* Light fireworks one at a time
* Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
* Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
* Never throw fireworks at another person
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
* Eye protection should always be worn by the fireworks shooter
* No part of the shooter's body should be over the firework
Call the National Council on Fireworks Safety at 202 349-7127 for more information.
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