Handle Fireworks Carefully to Have a Safe Fourth of July

The snap, crackle, pop -- and sometimes the boom -- of fireworks can often be heard in local neighborhoods a few days before the Fourth of July. Fireworks are so exciting that some people just can't wait.

But fireworks can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2010 there were 8,600 firework-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms, and 40 percent of the injuries affected children under 15.

Although parents may think sparklers are a safer alternative for children, sparklers caused about 1,200 of the injuries. Burns from fireworks make up half of the injuries to hands, fingers and legs while eyes are injured more by cuts, bruises or by being hit with flying material.

Locally, flying material shouldn't be a problem because the only fireworks that are legal around here are those that don't leave the ground.

Dianna Croskey manages the Keystone Fireworks stand in the parking lot in Richland Township. She says legal fireworks include fountains, sparklers, smoke balls, candles and spinners. She's an enthusiastic salesperson for the colorfully packaged goods lining the tables under her tent.

Although they have equally colorful names like "Killer Bees," "Freaky Tiki" and "Instant Nirvana," she says they all conform to state and local regulations, which means they don't leave the ground or explode too loudly.

Tim Flaherty, fire marshal for Pine Township, said if an item is sold in one of the stands that crop up around the region this time of year, it's legal because the stands are tightly regulated.

It's when people travel out of state to obtain higher-level fireworks or try to make their own fireworks that the danger increases. Last week, UPMC Mercy Hospital held a news conference to highlight the danger of fireworks. The featured speaker was Vincent Fustos of Hermitage, who lost his hand and suffered burns over 25 percent of his body two years ago when he tried to make his own fireworks. 

Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to have a safe Fourth of July and survive to celebrate many more:

• Fireworks are for adult use only.
• Always follow instructions on the packaging.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Keep a bucket of water handy to properly douse used fireworks before disposal.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals or vehicles.
• Light only one firework at a time, and never try to relight a “dud.”
• Make sure that the person lighting the fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Stay 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.