Fireworks dangerous, be safe

Clinton County Emergency Services Director Eric Day doesn’t think young children or even teens understand how dangerous fireworks can be.

“Either the fireworks themselves or the lighters and matches can start fires that grow quickly and cause burns and bodily harm,” he said.

“We have fireworks in the area now; it’s almost futile to tell people not to use them. You need to be smart.”

In the same way someone who plans on drinking should have someone else drive, Day said, “if you must use fireworks, you’ve really got to use your head and be safe.”

 

MISGUIDED

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recommends people leave fireworks to the professionals.

New York state recently legalized the use of certain fireworks, allowing counties to decide whether or not to allow their sale.

Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties did so starting in 2015.

“The misguided legalization of sparklers and other devices does not change the fact that fireworks and sparklers are extremely dangerous,” Firemen’s Association President Ken Pienkowski said in a statement.

“Fireworks should only be used by professionals who have undergone the proper training and certification.

“There are countless, excellent fireworks displays across New York state, and FASNY urges all New Yorkers to enjoy these shows and avoid a serious injury over the holiday.”

 

SPARKLER INJURIES

The National Fire Protection Association reports that sparklers accounted for about 28 percent of all fireworks injuries in 2014, according to a Firemen’s Association press release.

A sparkler’s tip can burn at a temperature of almost 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is as hot as a blowtorch.

Furthermore, the release said, nearly half of all fires reported on Independence Day were caused by fireworks or similar devices.

“A moment of what seems like fun can have long-lasting and sometimes devastating consequences with fireworks, especially when mixing with drugs or alcohol,” Essex County Emergency Services Director Donald Jaquish said.

“We annually have a few people that get injured from fireworks,” said his Franklin County counterpart, Ricky Provost.

“We encourage them to be safe if they wish to” use fireworks.

 

HAPPY FOURTH

In 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 67 percent of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the month surrounding July 4.

Forty percent of those injured were children and young adults under the age of 20.

And for children younger than 5, sparklers accounted for 65 percent of injuries.

“We hope everybody has a happy, safe Fourth of July,” Pienkowski said.

“Should there be an emergency or unsafe situation, we urge New Yorkers to call 911 for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”