INC NEWS - Fireworks Cause Injury and Death Each Year

[RW Pickle]

>From the Public Affairs Office of the Durham Fire Dept.

RWP
27 Beverly

Durham Fire Department Warns Residents to Avoid Using Fireworks This Summer

Durham, N.C. – With Independence Day just around the corner, thousands of
Durham residents will be gearing up to celebrate, including enjoying the
traditional holiday favorite of fireworks displays.  However, the City of
Durham Fire Department (DFD) is reminding residents of the dangers of
improperly handling fireworks and advises residents to leave this holiday
treat to the trained professionals.

According to the DFD, each year across the United States, there are
thousands of structure fires, vehicle fires, serious injuries and deaths
that occur when fireworks, such as sparklers and aerial rockets, are not
properly handled.  In fact, most residents may not even realize that
sparklers can reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 
According to the National Fire Protection Association, each year during
Independence Day alone, more than half of fires reported are caused by
fireworks handled by non-trained professionals.  

The DFD wants to strongly encourage all Durham residents to avoid using
fireworks at home and leave the fireworks displays up to the trained
professionals.  However, if families still choose to use fireworks this
summer, the DFD advises people to follow these safety tips:

·         Read and follow the labeled instructions carefully.

·         Always ensure an adult is present.

·         Ignite fireworks outside only.

·         Always have water nearby to extinguish any fires as a result of
the fireworks.

·         Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks; ensure they are fully
extinguished and dispose of them properly according to the labeled
instructions.

·         Never throw fireworks at another person, vehicle or structure.

For additional fire safety tips, visit the DFD’s webpage on the City’s
website at www.durhamnc.gov/departments/fire or call Angelica Stroud,
community relations coordinator and public information officer with the
DFD, at (919) 560-4233, extension 242 or via e-mail at
angelica.stroud at durhamnc.gov.