Texas Officials Warn Of Fireworks Dangers

AUSTIN, TX — Texas Department of Insurance officials on Friday issued a warning about the danger of fireworks ahead of the upcoming July 4 holiday, citing grim injury statistics in buttressing their case.

Last year in the U.S., officials said, more than 9,000 people went to emergency rooms with fireworks injures, TDI officials said, citing Texas State Fire Marshal's Office statistics. Five of those injured ultimately died, including a man of Texas, officials added. Even sparklers aren't benign, capable of burning with temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — as hot as a blow torch. Sparklers can cause third-degree burns on a child's hand or arm, TDI officials noted.

Officials produced a video to further illustrate the point, starting with the pithy message of "Sparklers are scary, y'all!" The video proceeds to show how sparklers igniting a child's garment, shoe, doll, football — in short, the accouterments of childhood — to illustrate their danger.

To prevent injury, the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office offered a series of safety tips:

Follow local rules

Some areas allow only certain types of fireworks, and most areas don’t allow fireworks within city limits or during burn bans. Follow the local law and contact your local fire officials if you have questions.

Find out if you need a permit

You need a permit from the local fire department for a fireworks show for a group of 50 or more people, even if you’re using retail-grade fireworks.

Be safe

• Children should not use fireworks. Make sure an adult is always watching.
• Remember: Alcohol and fireworks are a bad mix.
• Follow the instructions on the firework.
• Avoid shooting fireworks near dry grass, brush, or other materials that can easily catch on fire.
• Never aim fireworks where they could land on a house or hit a person.
• Have a bucket of water, garden hose, or other water source ready for emergencies.

Hire licensed professionals

If you hire someone to put on a display for your group, make sure they have a Texas pyrotechnic operator’s license. To find out if someone has a Texas license, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 1-800-578-4677.