Fireworks Safety Tips From Anne Arundel County Fire Department: July 4, 2017

MILLERSVILLE, MD — As residents get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department reminds everyone of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and the improper use of legal ground-based displays.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage. On average, 250 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday. Injuries from the intense heat of fireworks typically harm the eyes, head, hands, arms or legs. Some burns leave disfiguring scars that last a lifetime.

SEE ALSO:

• Which Fireworks Are Legal, Which Are Banned In Maryland 2017?
• Maryland 4th Of July 2017 Fireworks: Complete Schedule And Events Guide

Fireworks have been the cause of injuries and fires in Anne Arundel County:

• June 2016: A 19-year-old man using a legal sparkler device purchased in Anne Arundel County was injured when the device malfunctioned and exploded in his face. The patient received eye injuries and concussive ear injuries.
• July 2014: The improper and dangerous use of legal sparklers inside a dwelling caused a fire in a Hanover, which caused $50,000 damage. During the investigation of the fire, Fire Investigators discovered illegal fireworks within the home which were confiscated and a citation issued to the occupants for possession of illegal fireworks.
• June 2013: Improperly disposed of fireworks caused a dwelling fire near Annapolis, which did $250,000 in damage.
• July 2008: A home in Odenton sustained damage in a fire caused by a 12-year-old occupant using fireworks in his bedroom

Depending on where you live and where you will be celebrating the July 4th holiday, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use. In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items — such as party poppers, snap pops, and snakes — and ground-based sparkler devices are allowed in Maryland, says the state fire marshal’s office.

But if you use or watch fireworks, federal officials have these safety tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper. That's a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Do not allow anyone under the age of 12 to handle sparklers at any time.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• 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 fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• View fireworks from a safe distance.
• Be sure to make provisions to keep your pets safe as well. Keep pets indoors with a safe, secure place to hide. Turn on ambient noise, such as a radio or television, to provide some distraction from the loud sounds of fireworks. Ensure pets’ microchips and IDs are up-to-date. Resist the urge to take pets to fireworks displays and instead leave pets at home.
• Always dial 911 for any emergencies.

A list of area 4th of July celebrations can be found at the State of Maryland Tourism website.

Frequently asked questions regarding fireworks in Anne Arundel County can be found on the county website.

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