Henderson Fire
Fireworks SafetyHenderson Urges Caution and Fireworks Safety
Along with the excitement of fireworks associated with Independence Day, the City of Henderson Fire Department urges residents to take precautions when celebrating the Fourth of July, due to the dangers associated with fireworks.
Fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product, based on the amount of time and the quantities in use. Although cigarettes are the leading cause of fire death, the risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is three times the corresponding risk when cigarettes are burning.
The Dangers of Fireworks
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- In 2005, 10,800 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
- More than half (54 percent) of 2005 fireworks injuries were burns.
- Approximately 29 percent of the injuries were contusions or lacerations
- Fireworks also cause approximately 25,000 grasses, brush, dumpster and other fires each year.
In addition, fireworks for the 4th of July can cause more outdoor fires in the United States than all other causes of outdoor fire combined. Because of the extreme, high fire danger in southern Nevada and a continued drought conditions, extra caution is encouraged. So far this year, the 2008 Wildland fire season has already set new records with a total of 1,571,516 acres burned. The 10-year average is 1,134,115 acres burned to date.
Even “safe and sane” fireworks - including sparklers, fountains, snakes, party poppers, and ground spinners - cause nearly half of the emergency room fireworks injuries, according to the NFPA. Sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, reach temperatures of more than 1,000° F.
Pre-teens and teenagers face the highest risk of fireworks injuries, with 45% of the injuries incurred by those under age 15. The highest injury rate relative to population was for ages 5 to 9, with 8.9 times the risk for the entire population.
Individuals purchasing legal fireworks can use the following safety tips:
- Children should always have adult supervision when using fireworks.
- Ensure that fireworks can be extinguished quickly by having a hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher easily accessible.
- Before placing used fireworks in garbage containers, soak them in water overnight.
- If a firework does not ignite right away, remain clear and douse it with water.
- Rather than purchasing fireworks, attend a community fireworks display.
- For additional tips, see the Homeowner Tips, Fireworks Safety Tips, Extreme Fire Danger, First Aid for Burns, and Illegal Fireworks.
- CDC Information on Fireworks: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Fireworks/