Each year around the July 4^th holiday, nearly 5,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to fireworks. Injuries from firecrackers and bottle rockets are most common among children between 5 and 14, while children under 4 are at risk for sparkler-related injuries. In 2006, over 9,000 fireworks related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

 

Many states have adopted legislation prohibiting the sale or use of consumer fireworks. Arizona, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island have banned access by the public to all fireworks. In Florida, the retail sale of consumer fireworks is illegal.  Any device that can detonate or explode, or can propel through the air is prohibited.  These include: standard firecrackers and firecracker rolls; common bottle rockets and skyrockets; M-80's and M-80's with mortar; projectile fireworks; launchable rockets with stands; and roman candles and torpedoes.

 

Sparklers and non-explosive novelties such as smoke devices, party poppers, snappers and snakes are permitted in Florida, but only if they appear on the approved Sparkler List provided by the State Fire Marshal's Office. Even though sparklers are permitted in Florida, they are still extremely dangerous.  Sparklers are designed to throw off showers of hot sparks and can reach temperatures above 1,200 degrees F.

 

Everyone loves fireworks, but they can be deadly in the wrong hands.  The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many publicly staged displays put on by professionals. Have a safe and happy summer holiday season! 

Fireworks Facts

Approved Sparklers 2008

CPSC Fireworks Annual Report

USFA Dangers of Fireworks

Use Barbecue Grills Safely

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a 3-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when cooking food.
• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
• Use only outdoors! If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, barbecue grills pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to carbon monoxide.

Charcoal Grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store out of reach of children and away from heat sources.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Propane Grills

• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will reveal escaping propane quickly by releasing bubbles.
• If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:
  • Turn off the propane tank and grill.
  • If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
  • If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers' instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.

Propane Gas Grill Safety

Grilling Safety

Fire in the grill