Tips ensure fireworks safety for July Fourth

Editor’s Note: This Consumer Forum column, which should have run in Monday’s editions, was left out of the paper inadvertently.

In the wake of the events of Sept. 11, many Americans plan to display their patriotism on the Fourth of July in a big way. But no matter how many warnings are published, each year hundreds of Americans are injured by fireworks on July Fourth.

Last year, fireworks sales totaled $40 million and experts predict that this year $700 million in fireworks will be used during the Fourth of July holiday. The risk of accidents, therefore, has increased more than tenfold.

For the most part, fireworks are illegal to sell, buy or possess in Maine. We urge readers to celebrate safely by not purchasing illegal fireworks and by adhering to safety tips when using legal ones. The explosive force of illegal fireworks and the hazards of legal fireworks and sparklers, especially when used by young children or in an unsafe manner, can result in severe burns, blinding, amputation and even death.

Last year, hospital emergency rooms treated about 9,500 people for fireworks-related injuries. The number of injuries has decreased significantly from the highs of 1992-1994, when injuries averaged 12,500 a year. From 1994 to 2001, the number of fireworks injuries fell by one-fourth. But with the huge increase in use predicted for 2002, the fear exists that the number of injuries, deaths, and instances of destruction of property could increase dramatically unless users are exceptionally cautious.

Tips to keep in mind this holiday:

. Never buy illegal fireworks such as M-80s; they are simply too powerful to be safe.

. Never purchase professional display fireworks, which are sometimes sold illegally to consumers.

. Every year, many people are injured by firecrackers placed in metal or glass containers or thrown at another person. If you must use fireworks, avoid these practices.

. Young children and fireworks don’t mix. Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to little ones. Even legal, over-the-counter sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and the white-hot metal “core” itself can cause injury if not treated with care after the “sparkle” has burned out.

. Fireworks that are banned but often find their way onto the black market include illegal mail-order kits containing chemical mixtures that can explode unexpectedly and violently. M-80s, cherry bombs and quarter sticks are so highly explosive that they have been banned by federal law since 1966. Working with the U.S. Customs Service since 1988, the federal government has seized or detained more than 400 million hazardous fireworks at docks across the country.

If you decide to set off fireworks on your own, be sure to follow these safety tips:

. Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

. A responsible adult should closely supervise all fireworks activities.

. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials.

. Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.

. Stand away from other people or groups and make certain they keep a good distance before you light fireworks.

. Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.

. Never goof around with fireworks; if you want to be a jerk, do it with a water balloon.

. Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.

Like your mama told you, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT/The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information, write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.