| Danny and his pals had made a really neat | | | | contain dangerous explosives. |
| discovery. If they held a soda bottle in their hands | | | | Family Backyard Pyrotechnics |
| and lit a bottle rocket inside it, they could use | | | | * If community ordinances allow fireworks, here |
| them like weapons. | | | | are precautions to take when using them: |
| They weren't totally dumb, either. They put on | | | | * Always read and follow the manufacturer's |
| their sunglasses so nobody would get hit in the | | | | directions. |
| eye. They should have worn a coat of armor, | | | | * Store fireworks in a cool, dry area, hidden from |
| too, because it wasn't long before two of the | | | | children. |
| gang got hit in the face and were burned. | | | | * Fireworks should only be lit outdoors on a |
| The pain was bad enough, but it went away. The | | | | smooth, flat surface, and away from structures |
| scars on their skin will be there a long, long time. | | | | and any flammable materials. Thousands of |
| According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety | | | | fireworks incidents cause millions of dollars in |
| Commission, there are more than 10,000 | | | | damage each year. |
| emergency room cases related to fireworks each | | | | * Do not light fireworks inside a can or bottle. |
| year. Sadder still, there are deaths. | | | | * Don't assume consumer fireworks are harmless. |
| Injuries from the intense heat of fireworks, | | | | The heat from a sparkler (1,800 degrees F) can |
| typically harming the eyes, head, hands, arms or | | | | melt gold. Imagine the harm it can do to a child's |
| legs, can cause blindness, lacerations, amputations, | | | | flesh or eye. |
| and burns. Many of the injuries involve children | | | | * Keep spectators at least 30 to 40 feet away |
| under the age of 15. With the Fourth of July | | | | before lighting fireworks. It is estimated that |
| rapidly approaching, keep these things in mind: | | | | nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries are to |
| Do Your Homework | | | | bystanders. |
| * Check with your local police department to learn | | | | * Keep a water bucket or hose nearby for |
| what, if any, fireworks may be legally discharged | | | | emergencies. |
| in your area. | | | | * Do not try to light a firework that misfired. |
| * Display (Class B) fireworks are those used for | | | | Soak duds with water. Pick them up with a |
| public display. They are outlawed by the federal | | | | long-handled shovel, and put them in a |
| government for consumer use. | | | | nonflammable container. |
| * Consumer (Class C) fireworks are legal for | | | | * Wear hearing protection. |
| public sale in numerous states. These consumer | | | | If The Kids Use Fireworks |
| fireworks include fountains, bottle rockets, | | | | * Only adults should handle fireworks. However, if |
| cylindrical fountains, Roman candles, rockets with | | | | you decide to let older children use fireworks |
| sticks, mines and shells, helicopter-type rockets, | | | | under your supervision: |
| certain sparklers, party poppers, missile-type | | | | * Discuss safety procedures. Teach children to |
| rockets, illuminating torches, toy smoke devices, | | | | Stop, Drop, and Roll if their clothes catch fire. |
| revolving wheels and firecrackers with no more | | | | * Show children how to put out fireworks by |
| than 50 milligrams of powder. | | | | using water or a fire extinguisher. |
| * Remember! Even fireworks that are legal cause | | | | * Never place your face or any other body part |
| hundreds of blinding injuries each year. For | | | | over fireworks. |
| example, bottle rockets can move as fast as 200 | | | | * Never carry fireworks in your pocket. |
| miles per hour, explode in midair and fly in any | | | | * Leave the area immediately if friends are using |
| direction. What's safe about that? | | | | fireworks without parental supervision. |
| * Find a safe and legal fireworks display | | | | * Do not dismantle fireworks, or try to make |
| conducted by licensed professionals. Even then: | | | | your own. |
| -stay in the designated watching area. | | | | * Do not hold any fireworks in your hand once |
| -do not allow children to retrieve a souvenir shell, | | | | you have lit them. |
| even one that has exploded. Shell fragments could | | | | * Do not throw fireworks. |