By Leilana McKindra,Communications Specialist, Agricultural Communications Services, Oklahoma State University
STILLWATER, Okla. (June 27, 2018) – Lots of Oklahomans enjoy celebrating America’s Independence Day holiday with colorful fireworks. Following a few easy safety precautions will help ensure accidents and injuries do not dampen the fun.
“Fireworks are bright, loud and festive. It’s easy to forget they also can be dangerous, including potentially causing serious burns and eye injuries,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer and housing specialist.
Before buying or using fireworks, families should make sure it is legal to possess and discharge them in their area.
Young children should not be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks and an adult should always supervise older kids’ use.
“Even sparklers can cause injuries. Parents don’t realize these fireworks burn at about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals,” Peek said.
When lighting fireworks, avoid holding any part of the body directly over the device. Once the fuse is lit, quickly back away to a safe distance. Also, avoid pointing or throwing fireworks at or near other people.
Do not try to relight a firework that does not fully ignite.
“Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of fire or accident,” Peek said. “Once you’re finished shooting fireworks, thoroughly douse them with water before throwing them away. This will help reduce the chance of fire breaking out in the trash.”
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 250 people visit hospital emergency rooms daily for fireworks related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.
The CPSC reported more than 69 percent of fireworks related injuries were burns, with hands and fingers, as well as heads, faces and ears being the most injured body parts.
For more information on fireworks safety, contact the nearest county Extension office.
Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. Any person who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154.
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