Officials warn against at-home fireworks
Fireworks are a common display of independence around the Fourth of July, but some officials are calling for greater caution regarding their private use.
At a news conference Tuesday in the Ohio Statehouse, members of the Ohio Fireworks Safety Coalition outlined the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s annual report on fireworks safety.
“Prevent Blindness supports a total ban on backyard fireworks, including sparklers,” said Sherry Williams, president and CEO of the Ohio affiliate of Prevent Blindness, a volunteer organization that promotes eye health.rather than detonating fireworks at home, officials recommend celebrating by attending public events, such as Red, White & Boom, where professionals control the display.
Last year, there were 9,100 serious fireworks injuries in the United States.
According to safety coalition findings, 5,642 of fireworks-related injuries occurred within a month of July 4.“The bottom line is there’s no safe way to use backyard fireworks,” said Sarah Denny, a primary care pediatrician at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.”backyard fireworks” include products that smoke, snap, snake or sparkle. While consumers can purchase other consumer-grade explosives in Ohio, such as bottle rockets and firecrackers, they must take them out of state within 48 hours. Violating the state law can result in six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Chief Josh Hobbs of the state fire marshal’s office fire and explosion investigation bureau, said the office refers reports about athome fireworks to local law enforcement authorities.
Many injuries from fireworks are caused by products that are legal for in-state use. “As seemingly innocent as sparklers might sound,” they can cause serious damage, Williams said. Though legal for in-state use, sparklers cause the most fireworks-related injuries to those younger than 5 years old. They burn at more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt gold.
Of the 9,100 people injured last year, 17% were admitted to the hospital. Children younger than 15 accounted for 36% of those emergency department visits.
“It’s often the innocent bystanders who are the ones who get hurt,” said Denny, who also is co-chairwoman of the Executive Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention for the Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics. “Every year I am heartbroken at the burns, amputations and the deaths associated with fireworks,” she said.