Shannon Harvey Insurance

The summer heat, the smell of hamburgers on the grill, and the sound of fireworks can only mean one thing. The Fourth of July is on its way. With warm weather and family events, the Fourth of July can be a fun time with a lot of great memories. But before your family starts celebrating the Forth and the amazing firework displays, be sure everyone knows some basic fireworks safety tips.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that most injuries from fireworks occur in the few weeks around July 4^th. The CPSC also reports that in 2008, there were seven fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 7,000 hospital emergency room treated injuries. Of course, the best way to protect your family from fireworks accidents is to not use fireworks at home. It's a lot safer and cheaper, and the fireworks are a lot bigger, if you attend a public fireworks display and leave the lighting to the professionals. Lighting fireworks at home isn't even legal in many areas, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they're legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Kids should never play with fireworks. Things like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) - hot enough to melt gold.
• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions; illegal ones are unlabeled), and store them in a cool, dry place. Illegal fireworks usually go by the names M-80, M100, blockbuster, or quarterpounder. These explosives were banned in 1966, but still account for many fireworks injuries.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• Steer clear of others - fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don't hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket - the friction could set them off.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
• Don't pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.

If someone is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don't touch or rub it, because this can make it hurt even more. Also, don't try to flush the eye with water. Cut out the bottom of a paper cup instead, and place it around the eye. Immediately seek medical attention - your eyesight may depend on it. If it's a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, but not cold, water over the burn (do not use ice). Call your doctor immediately.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Whether you decide on a personal fireworks show or not, be sure to spread the word about firework safety to anyone you think could use it. Either way, if you shoot fireworks at home or go to a public display, be sure to have fun and enjoy this Fourth of July.