Fireworks: Hot as a Blow Torch!

Sparklers burn at 2000 degrees F or even hotter.

That’s as hot as a blow torch.

It’s as hot as the charcoal fire in a grill.

2000 degrees is so hot it can melt copper.

Fireworks commonly known as bottle rockets, meanwhile, can fly through the air at 7 to 10 feet per second. Larger stick rockets are powerful projectiles with uncertain flight paths.

How fast are bottle and stick rockets? They fly erratically enough and are fast enough to hit someone by surprise and hurt them.

Fireworks like bottle rockets and small firecrackers may appear harmless because of their small size, but they sent 1,900 consumers to emergency rooms last year during the 30 days surrounding July 4th. In total, about 8,600 consumer emergency room visits in 2010 were from fireworks injuries.

Imagine spending your Fourth of July in the ER, most likely with a child with a burn or a severe cut. We’re guessing that’s not in your plans. You have much better ways to spend your time – swimming and barbecuing (safely, of course!) or watching your local, professional fireworks show.

If you do decide to buy legal fireworks, be sure to take the following safety steps:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move away to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not gone off or fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time then move away quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks have gone off and fully functioned, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  Know the risks. Prevent the tragedies. And have an injury-free Fourth!