News release from the Fort Wayne Fire Department:
Fort Wayne Fire Department Promotes Safe, Responsible Fireworks Use
(June 30, 2014) – The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation’s birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.
Did you know sparklers can reach 1,800 Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold? The recently released U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Injury Report estimates that in 2013 approximately 11,400 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the head (including face, eyes and ears) hands, fingers and legs. Children and young adults under the age of 15 accounted for more than 40 percent of the estimated injuries. Research also found that 1 in 4 children with fireworks related injuries were bystanders in backyard displays.
Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks. For your safety, as well as that of your loved ones, neighbors and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, FWFD encourages you to use them responsibly and take the necessary safety precautions.
- Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- While setting off fireworks wear eye protection and never hold fireworks in your hand to light.
- Eye protection should be worn at all times
- Use in a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting side.
- Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any “dud” firework item.
- Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
Fort Wayne officials also remind you to follow the laws governing fireworks in the city limits. Fort Wayne’s City Ordinance says:
- Fireworks may be used only on the user’s property, on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks, or at a special discharge location. (Note: A special discharge location is a place designated by the State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks).
- Fireworks can be purchased only by adults 18 years of age or older. Children under 18 may only use fireworks when an adult is present.
- Fireworks may be used only between 5:00 p.m. to two hours after dusk (approximately 11:00 p.m.) from June 29-July 3 and again from July 5-9.
- On the day before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, the day before Labor Day and Labor Day, the hours are extended from 10 a.m. until midnight.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department encourages you to celebrate safely this 4th of July. Visit fortwaynefiredepartment.org for more fireworks information.
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