The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, barbecues, family fun, and fireworks. Unfortunately, firework injuries can also be common.
Every year, 10,000 people present to the emergency room with a firework injury. 25% of the injuries come from the common sparkler, which can cause serious burns as a sparkler can get as hot as a blow torch (2,000 degrees).
More fires are started on the Fourth of July than any other day during the year, amounting to around 20,000 total.
In Oregon, the possession, use, or sale of fireworks that fly in the air, explode, or travel more than 6 feet horizontally are illegal without a permit. These illegal types of fireworks can include, bottle rockets, roman candles, and M80’s.
If you are going to use Fireworks, please remember these 11 tips
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
- Always wear glasses to protect your eyes.
- Make sure fireworks are legal. If there is no label or warning on them, they are not legal.
- Do not use professional fireworks.
- Keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.
- Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water after they have cooled for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Do not relight fireworks.
- Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks and don’t light fireworks around children.
- Point fireworks away from flammable objects and never point a firework at another person.
- Keep your dogs and pets indoors during the firework celebration.
It is best to leave the fireworks to the professionals and watch the great firework show Bend puts on every year on top of Pilot Butte.
Enjoy the Fourth and have a great celebration, but please be safe and responsible.
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