6/27/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
The Fourth of July is a day of celebration, filled with picnics, parades and other displays of patriotism.
Fireworks play an important role in festivities as well, but it's prudent to use them safely, heeding the Air Force Safety Center's message of "Celebrate the 4th - Live to See the 5th" during these Critical Days of Summer.
There are many rules to follow when using fireworks, but one of the most important is to never allow minors to use them without parental or adult supervision. Too often, unsupervised minors will engage in horseplay and experimentation, which may result in a trip to the emergency room. In addition, parents may be held accountable if their child injures another person while using fireworks in an unsupervised setting.
Tony Lightner, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph safety and occupational health specialist, said children under 12 should not play with or ignite fireworks at all, even sparklers.
"While many consider sparklers to be safe, it's important to remember that you are, in fact, playing with fire," he said. "Sparklers can burn at more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and caused an estimated 800 injuries in 2008."
Lightner said adults should show older children how to hold sparklers at arm's length.
"Don't let them run with or wave the sparklers, and make sure they stand at least six feet away from another person while using sparklers," he added.
Lightner said other rules regarding sparklers include never handing a lit sparkler to another person, never holding a child while holding a sparkler and always dropping spent sparklers into a bucket of water.
Lightner said users should be familiar with the fireworks before igniting them.
"Always read and follow the directions," he said.
Lightner said people should use only professionally manufactured fireworks - and always outdoors.
"Look for the U.S. Department of Transportation class C listing label," he said. "One of the leading causes of fireworks accidents is homemade fireworks. The list of potential problems is endless."
Lightner said fireworks should be ignited in an area that is clear of debris, level and hard and should never be set off in windy conditions.
"Also be sure to have plenty of space around you before you set off your fireworks," he said. "A 50-foot circle is ideal, but make sure there are no combustibles within that radius."
It's also important to know the law.
"If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them," Lightner said. "At Randolph, fireworks are prohibited."
The National Council on Fireworks Safety, a charitable organization that educates the public on the safe and responsible use of fireworks, has more commonsense tips to offer:
· Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
· Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
· Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
· Report illegal explosives like M-80s and quarter sticks to the fire or police department.