This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Fireworks Safety Tips for This 4th of July

A few ways to safely enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July.

For many, the Fourth of July and fireworks go hand-in-hand. However, each year, fire officials warn that, when amateurs and explosives are involved, Fourth of July fireworks very easily leave someone handless – or worse.

With the lack of rain, it can be incredibly dangerous to shoot off fireworks. The dry conditions can increase the chance of a fire or an accident started by the use of fireworks.

According to data on a report titled “Leave Fireworks to Pros,” from 2002 to 2011, there were 804 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported in Massachusetts, which caused one civilian death, 18 civilian injuries, four fire service injuries and an estimated $2.5 million loss.

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Except by licensed professionals, the use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts, which has adopted the Model Fireworks Law. It’s also illegal to transport fireworks into Massachusetts, and illegal fireworks can be confiscated on the spot.

On its website, the Quincy-based National Fire Protection Association, which advocates for the avoidance of consumer fireworks and encourages folks to enjoy professional displays, offers some “Fireworks Safety Tips.”

Find out what's happening in Wrenthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Those tips -- attached above as a PDF -- are essentially a reminder the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to just watch the fireworks at a public display put on by professionals. They also note that sparklers and firecrackers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is more than hot enough to melt glass and cause a nasty third-degree burn. 

Speaking of sparklers, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, those little incense-looking light sticks cause 27 percent of all fireworks-related injuries. 

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Wrentham