National Fireworks Safety Month (July 1-31)

The National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.  They may be legal, but they are not safe.

Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries.

Sparklers can burn at about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.  Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. It is estimated that sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for firework injuries and children under age 5 account for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

To read the full article and view a list of Fireworks Safety Tips: If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks visit the National Safety Council page at:

www.nsc.org/events/safety-observance-calendar