July 4th Holiday is Here - Use Caution and Be Safe

News Release Date: June 27, 2006

EMMITSBURG, MD - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Preparedness Directorate, strongly urges all citizens to practice extra caution and safety during the upcoming Fourth of July activities across America.

Charlie Dickinson, Acting U.S. Fire Administrator, understands the concerns voiced by the nation's fire marshals and first responders. "The Fourth of July is a time for citizens to celebrate the birth of our nation and spend time with family and friends," Dickinson said. "Cities and towns all over the country will have marching bands, community get-togethers - and fireworks. Firefighters everywhere know too well it's also a dangerous time for unnecessary fires and serious burns and injuries."

An estimated 18,900 fireworks fires in 2004 caused approximately $21.8 million in property loss, and about 52 percent of those fires occurred during the month of July around the Independence Day holiday. Children under age 15 suffered 40 percent of the 9,600 injuries from fireworks devices. Firecrackers, sparklers and rockets are the leading contributors to these injuries. These statistics, the most recent available, were obtained from 2004 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data, the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) Fire Loss in the United States During 2004, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2004 Fireworks Annual Report.

"Parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping children safe during these holiday events," continued Dickinson. "Fireworks should be used with extreme caution. Older children should be closely supervised and carefully instructed in the safe handling of legal fireworks. Sparklers and firecrackers may seem relatively safe, but even those types of fireworks are especially harmful to children. And younger children should not be allowed to play with fireworks at all."

NFPA's newly released Fireworks report, along with fireworks fact sheets and a video showing how quickly clothing can ignite from the use of sparklers, can be found on the NFPA Web site.

For all their noise and excitement, fireworks account for a large number of fires and injuries that are preventable. USFA reminds those who will be using fireworks to closely heed the safety advice on the packaging, and to practice the USFA fireworks safety tips below. Additionally, users must follow state and local laws regarding the purchase and lighting of these products. The USFA Web site provides access to a wide variety of cost-free fire-prevention and life-safety materials, including tips on barbeque and camping safety.

"Someone getting burned or maimed can quickly turn a jubilant celebration into unnecessary tragedy. Don't let that happen," Dickinson urged. "Make a commitment to use caution and be safe as you celebrate this Fourth of July."

Fireworks Safety Tips from the U.S. Fire Administration

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
If you plan to use fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area.
Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to properly operate the fire extinguisher.
Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
Stand several feet away from lighted fireworks. If fireworks do not go off, do not stand over them to investigate; douse them with water and carefully dispose of them.
Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks. If the fireworks are not marked with the contents, directions, and warning labels, do not light them.
Supervise children around fireworks at all times.