200 fire-related injuries a day in 2009 in the month surrounding Fourth of July

The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission issued fire safety tips today in honor of the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. A new CPSC study shows in 2009, most incidents there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for fireworks-related injuries and incidents, with most occurring with consumers under the age of 20 and included loss of limbs. Last year, there were nearly 6,000 reports of injuries in the 30 days surrounding the Fourth of July alone, or roughly 200 a day.
Sparkler injuries to children under the age of five are common – sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

Burns and lacerations to the hands, face, and head were the most-frequently reported, according the the CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum.  More than half of the injuries during this time period were related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

“Consumers need to heed our warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal fireworks, can be fatal,” Tenenbaum said.

Consumers who decide to purchase legal fireworks are highly encouraged to take the following safety steps:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• 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.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not 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 back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

Do you have any other safety tips for fireworks? Comment below!