WASHINGTON, Dec. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — New Year's Eve is a wonderful time to celebrate the start of a new year. And fireworks are a wonderful way of celebrating. In 2013, there were reports of injuries caused by consumers taking fireworks apart and modifying them, and of children being hurt by having unsupervised access to consumer fireworks. There were also reports of shooters of fireworks being impaired by alcohol.
If you are at a party for New Year's Eve where consumer fireworks are being shot, make sure that there is a designated shooter who has not been drinking any alcohol and that the fireworks are being used without modifying them in any way.
Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety, notes: "Each New Year's Eve, consumers are injured because their judgment has been impaired by beer, wine, or other alcoholic drink. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix!" Blogin also implores consumers to not modify fireworks in any way, or leave fireworks where children can have unsupervised access to them.
In addition, the National Council reminds shooters of consumer fireworks of these other important safety tips:
- Only use fireworks outdoors free of overhead obstructions and away from dry grass or other flammable materials.
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Never give fireworks to young children.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Always have a bucket of water, and charged water hose, nearby.
- Dispose of spent product by wetting it down and place it in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until morning.
And remember, ALCOHOL AND FIREWORKS DON'T MIX!
See all of our Safety Tips at www.FireworksSafety.org
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and the Council's safety videos, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.
Contact: Ralph Apel, Spokesperson (913) 579-4529 cell, or Email