July 4 Fireworks: Tips For A Safe Independence Day In Virginia

VIRGINIA — Thousands of patients pour into the nation's hospital emergency rooms for treatment of fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4 holiday.

Across the U.S., more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Burns account for 44 percent of the 9,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4.

On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4 holiday, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Children between the age of 10 and 14 have the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third of the victims of fireworks injuries under age 15. Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

A good way to avoid going to the hospital on the Fourth of July is by attending a public fireworks displays instead of setting off your own fireworks.

"Fireworks are dangerous and the lighting of fireworks should be left to the experts," Arlington County Fire Prevention Office said in a statement. "We encourage everyone to safely enjoy the public firework displays, this year we must be especially careful at large gatherings."

Are you looking for a spot to watch the fireworks on the National Mall in D.C. on July 4? Stay Arlington has put together the Top 5 Spots to Watch from Arlington.

For personal fireworks, the Virginia Department of Forestry urges the public to purchase only legal fireworks available at approved stands, never make your own fireworks, and be on the lookout for teens experimenting with homemade fireworks.

While the Virginia Office of State Fire Marshal is the state enforcement agency for illegal fireworks, local jurisdictions have their own agencies that enforce fireworks laws.

The City of Falls Church Fire Marshal, for example, states that it is unlawful for any person to store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode any fireworks, including sparklers, within the city limits. All fireworks found in the city are subject to seizure, with the offender facing a Class One misdemeanor in the city.

Fireworks violations may be reported to the City of Falls Church Police Department at 703-241-5053.

In jurisdictions where fireworks are allowed, follow these safety tips:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers are hot enough to cause third degree burns.
• Only purchase approved, permissible fireworks from a permitted vendor.
• Light fireworks away from the home, dry grass, brush or anything else that can burn.
• Light one device at a time, then back away several feet.
• If a firework does not go off, never attempt to re-light it. Douse it with water then dispose of it.
• After igniting fireworks, cool them completely with water before discarding them to prevent a trash fire.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department has produced a fireworks safety video for children featuring two puppets, Jerome and his older sister, Sierra.

"It's little kids and teenagers that always get hurt the most from fireworks," big sister Sierra tells Jerome in the video.