WASHINGTON, June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Using consumer fireworks on our nation's birthday is as traditional as cookouts and parades. And it is equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. While one injury is too many, the rate of injury per usage has decreased dramatically from 1996 to 2011. Many of these injuries would not have occurred if there had been close adult supervision and if some basic safety steps had been taken.
The fireworks industry has worked hard over the last two decades to improve the quality and reliability of consumer fireworks. The industry has set standards that exceed the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission and firework companies have their fireworks tested by a third party testing company to ensure compliance.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season. It is up to consumers to use fireworks in a safe and responsible manner:
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready if you are using fireworks.
- Know your fireworks; Read the caution label before igniting.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow common sense safety rules this Fourth of July in their holiday celebrations.
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 a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.
Contact: Ralph Apel, Press Contact, at 913 579-4529, or Nancy Blogin, President, at 816 977-5838