FEATURE: Wake County Promotes Fireworks Safety

6/30/2009

Fireworks or resulting fires injure over 11,000 people every year. More than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July. To help residents celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Wake County Department of Emergency Medical Services and Department of Fire/Emergency Management strongly recommends that citizens attend a public display and avoid using fireworks on their own.

However, if citizens choose to use legal fireworks, they should be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
• Read and follow all manufacturers’ warnings and instructions
• Be sure other people are out of the way before lighting fireworks
• Never light fireworks indoors
• Do not use fireworks near any building, vehicle or vegetation
• Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby
• Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Never carry fireworks in pockets
• Never throw fireworks at another person
• Buy only legal fireworks

Finally, never wear loose-fitting clothing while using fireworks, and remember to "stop, drop and roll" if clothing catches fire.

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