With Independence Day right around the corner, those who plan to set off fireworks need to brush up on local laws and safe discharge practices before celebrating.
“Fireworks do cause a lot of injuries and a lot of fires each year, even if handled properly,” Weatherford Fire Chief Mike Karlin said.
He said some of the most common injuries are due to sparklers, which are widely used.
“They can get a high as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and once they go out, they will remain hot for a very long time. I’ve seen a lot of hand and eye injuries as a result of the sparklers. They are definitely one of the most dangerous and appear to be one of the most used fireworks of all,” Chief Karlin said.
Chief Karlin said he encourages adult supervision and discharging away from buildings, brush and dry vegetation.
Chief Karlin said fireworks are not allowed to be stored or discharged within city limits, but can be discharged outside of city limits with the land owner’s permission. In addition, fireworks are not allowed to be discharged on county roads.
The American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation provides a list of tips to help celebrate safely.
• Always have a sober adult in charge and never give fireworks, even sparklers to young children.
• Only buy legal fireworks from a licensed store, stand or tent. They typically have brightly colored labels with the manufacturer’s name, directions and warnings.
• Read and follow the directions on the labels.
• Never carry a firework in your pocket or shoot fireworks from a metal or glass container.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks.
• Don’t aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• When finished, allow used fireworks to stand for at least 20 minutes, submerge in water, drain, place in a plastic bag and dispose outside in a covered trash can.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device.
• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings, on a flat, level, hard, fireproof surface that is free from debris.
• Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.
• Light only one firework at a time and never approach or re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time.
For more information about fireworks safety, contact the Weatherford Fire Department at (580) 772-7791 or visit the American Pyrotechnics Association website at www.americanpyro.com.