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Fireworks and the Fourth Can Be Fun But Must Be Safe First…
By Chief Fred Maas and Sunny Isles Beach Police Department
One of the most visible signs of the celebration for July 4th, Independence Day in America, is “fireworks.” From the time we are young enough or old enough to wow at the awesome sight of multi-colored visuals and streamers, preceded by loud booms in the sky, we correlate fireworks with the 4th.
Many grand events and celebratory anniversaries are also marked by the use of a fireworks display. Most times, these events are strictly controlled by professional companies whose #1 concern is safety for all involved.
The primary reason for such concern is that, while fireworks are fun, they can also be “DEADLY.” We all have heard of the tragic consequences of premature or unexpected explosions or the mishandling of explosives that result in death or severe injury including loss of limb. This is when the 4th stops being fun. The number of personal injuries resulting from individual carelessness or abuse of fireworks is disconcerting. It doesn’t have to happen. It is usually caused by a disregard of safety measures, a deadly mix of alcohol consumption while using explosives or just plain foolishness on the part of an irresponsible person.
In Florida, the law is very clear and very strict as to what is illegal for a person to use or set off. Basically, ANYTHING that detonates or explodes is illegal. But we all know there are ways and means for people to obtain these explosives either in state or out of Florida. We are NEVER going to stop the possession of these by individuals so maybe our best advice can be to encourage those who are going to use them to BE SAFE, BE SMART AND BE CAREFUL!!!
Some safety tips for those using any type of fireworks are the following listed below. AND Remember, PLEASE, there are
NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED
ON
THE BEACH
IN
SUNNY ISLES BEACH
TIPS FOR SAFETY
- Buy from reliable sellers.
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Have an adult present.
- Use outdoors only.
- Always have water handy (A garden hose and bucket).
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
Stay away from illegal explosives.
TIPS ON CHOOSING SAFE FIREWORKS:
- It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80, M-100s and blockbusters are not fireworks, they are federally banned explosives. They can cause serious injury or even death. Stay away from anything that isn’t clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer’s name and instructions for proper use. Here are some more tips to help ensure a safe Fourth of July:
- Fireworks are not toys. Fireworks complying with strict regulations enacted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1976 function primarily by burning to produce motion and visible or audible effects. They are burning at approximately the same temperature as a household match and can cause burn injuries and ignite clothing if used improperly.
- NEVER give fireworks to young children. Close, adult supervision of all fireworks activities is mandatory. Even
sparklers can be unsafe if used improperly.
- Homemade fireworks are deadly. Never attempt to make your own devices and do not purchase or use any kits that are advertised for making fireworks. Mixing and loading chemical powders is very dangerous and can kill or seriously injure you. Leave the making of fireworks to the experts.
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