Officials: ‘Safe and sane’ fireworks can still be dangerous

By Behind the Badge staff

As Orange County prepares to celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, local public safety officials stress that safety around fireworks is paramount, even when using the “safe and sane” kind.

Even legal fireworks, widely available for purchase throughout Orange County, pose risks.

“Just because they’re ‘safe and sane’ doesn’t mean they won’t get a little out of control,” said Huntington Beach Fire Department Capt. Steve Teasdale during a fireworks safety event by SafeOC, one of Orange County’s leading public safety websites.

Teasdale noted that while safe and sane products rarely become problematic, the public should still keep several guidelines in mind for an injury-free, non-destructive Fourth of July:

• Fireworks need to be ignited in the street, not in garages, backyards, on the beach, or in public spaces like parks.

• A water source nearby is required in case of emergency. Water sources can include buckets of water or garden hoses. ABC-rated fire extinguishers are also acceptable.

• Though city rules may vary, Huntington Beach allows “Safe and Sane” fireworks between noon and 10 p.m. only on the Fourth of July.

• After igniting fireworks, don’t put them in the trash immediately after the firework display ends. They still may be burning and could still be hot. It’s generally advisable to douse them with water to ensure they’re cooled off and ready for disposal — a technique that can prevent trash can fires.

Dr. Rombod Rahimian, chief medical officer with the Huntington Beach Fire Department, also noted that safe and sane fireworks can be dangerous for young children. Nationwide, he said, between 8,000 and 12,000 fireworks-related injuries occur annually.

“Every year, we see people with their last year of hands,” Dr. Rahimian said.

A common-sense technique is not allowing toddlers and young children to hold sparklers. Sparklers have a chemical compound that can exceed 2,000 degrees, which is 10 times hotter than boiling water.

“We often see that children under 5 can have pretty significant burns, just given the temperature that some of the sparklers can get to,” Dr. Rahimian said.

Officials stressed that common-sense firework safety guidelines are available at fireworks booths to keep this year’s birthday celebration for America a safe and sane one.

One safer choice is to visit a professional fireworks show, such as those put on by many Orange County cities on the Fourth of July. Public safety websites such as SafeOC offer tips on how to identify and report suspicious behavior at events such as fireworks shows and America 250 celebrations.

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