Danger Still Real In 'Safe And Sane' Fireworks; Take Care Using Them During New Year's Celebrations

What was once a 4th of July tradition is now often a part of many New Year's celebrations. Fireworks and sparkler retailers from the warm weather states of Florida and Texas to the colder climates of Minnesota report an increased interest in consumer fireworks and especially sparklers during the last part of December. In 2010, Arizona adopted House Bill 2246 allowing the sale and use of consumer fireworks throughout the state. This has opened the door to potential injuries and fire departments are braced for the impact.

Fire departments are concerned both about the fire danger these fireworks pose, as well as the potential for devastating injuries. Nationally, in 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That same year, 8,800 individuals were treated in emergency rooms across the country mostly to the hands or to the head and face. Males accounted for 73 percent of those injuries, says the NFPA.

The Vallleywide Fire Officer Information Network urges everyone to use fireworks in a safe and responsible manner. The Network offers the following safety tips:

- Obey the local laws and use common sense. Just because you can purchase the fireworks, doesn't mean it is legal to set them off in your city.

- Always read and follow instructions. Always have an adult present.

- Keep burning sparklers and other fireworks away from clothing and flammable objects.

- Only use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.

- Light only one firework at a time.

- Alcohol, fireworks and sparklers do not mix. Be responsible.

- Do not point or throw fireworks at another person

- Children under the age of 12 should not handle fireworks, including sparklers.

- When finished, place used fireworks in a bucket of water.

Travelers should also be reminded that the FAA prohibits fireworks of any kind on any flight. They cannot be checked as baggage or carried on.

Valleywide Fire Information Officer Network is a collaboration of 23 local fire departments working together to promote fire and life safety educational messages to Valley residents. The network strives to create aware¬ness through unified campaigns to protect our communities.

For more information about firework safety, visit the Arizona Fire and Burn Educator's Association website, www.afbea.org/resources/educational¬safety/consumer¬fireworks/