KFD urges Firework Safety during Fourth of July holiday

KINGSPORT – With the Fourth of July approaching the Kingsport Fire Department reminds citizens about the fire and safety hazards of consumer fireworks.

Also, fireworks are illegal in the City of Kingsport. City ordinance prohibits the manufacture, use, discharge, possession or sale of fireworks within the city limits. Any person found guilty of violating this ordinance shall be fined up to $110 for each offense.

Did you know that two out of five fires reported on the Fourth of July are started by fireworks, more than for any other cause? The good news is you can enjoy your holiday and the fireworks, with just a few simple safety tips:

Proceed with caution!

• Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
• After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
• Fireworks can cause severe injuries, sparklers burn at around 1200 degrees.

Statistics:

In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks related injuries. The detailed statistics below are based only on injuries seen from June 22- July 22, 2012.

• Almost three out of five (57%) of the 2012 fireworks injuries were burns, while almost one-fifth (18%) were contusions or lacerations.
• Three out of ten (30%) people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• Males accounted for three-quarters (74%) of the injuries.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 15-24 followed by children under 10.
• Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for one-quarter (25%) of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2012.

-Sources www.nfpa.org and Consumer Product Safety Commissions 2012 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Demar Granados.