Fireman’s group urges safety first for July 4 holiday

With the approach of the Fourth of July holiday, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York reminds residents to make safety a priority this weekend.

Fireworks are illegal to own or use by anyone other than licensed professionals in the state. FASNY also urges families to learn more about the harm that fireworks can cause to people and property.

“Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a locally-sponsored display in your neighborhood,” said FASNY President Jim Burns. “Attending public fireworks displays is the safest way to celebrate the Fourth of July.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks every July Fourth holiday. The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.

Sparklers can also be dangerous. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

Some advice from FASNY:

— The safest and best way to avoid injury is to view fireworks displays by trained professionals.

— Obey and respect any and all public safety barriers set up around the site of a professional fireworks show.

— Resist the temptation to get close to the firing site. Often, the best view of a professional display is from a quarter of a mile or more away.

— Leave your pets at home — the loud noise can scare animals and damage their hearing.

— Do not possess or shoot off fireworks on your own. Besides risking injury to yourself and the crowd watching the demonstration, you will be breaking the law. — Do not pick up or attempt to re-light used fireworks — they may still be active and can cause serious burns or injury.