Celebrate Fourth Of July Safely

Fireworks have been a part of Independence Day celebrations since the dawn of the republic, and backyard fireworks displays are a common custom for many Arkansas families around the Fourth of July, said Attorney General Dustin McDaniel in a consumer alert about fireworks safety.

Fireworks such as bottle rockets and sparklers are most often the entertainment of choice.

The fun can go without incident if consumers take some basic safety precautions. However, injuries from bottle rockets and sparklers alone account for about one-quarter of all fireworks-related injuries each year. And, according to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 60 percent of all fireworks injuries and deaths occur within the 30 days around Independence Day.

Therefore, McDaniel issued this consumer alert today to remind Arkansans to keep safety in mind when using fireworks this year, as well as to inform consumers about state law related to the sale and purchase of fireworks.

“The best and safest way to enjoy the tradition of Independence Day fireworks is to watch one of the many large public displays scheduled across the state,” McDaniel said.

Close to 9,000 people every year are treated in hospitals for fireworks- related injuries. More than half of those ER visits are for burns to the hands, head or face. Most injuries are because of malfunctioning fireworks or improper use.

Here are six ways to stay safe:

Supervise children at all times and make sure adults light every firework, including sparklers — remember sparklers can burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees.

Stay away from others while lighting fireworks and never aim fireworks at another person.

Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.

Keep a garden hose or bucket of water within reach in case of fire.

Only light one firework at a time and move away quickly after lighting it.

McDaniel reminded consumers that the state’s “Fireworks Act” restricts the types of fireworks that can be sold in the state and the amount of explosive material that each firework may contain.

Firework vendors are required to have a state license. They may not sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 12 or to anyone who appears to be intoxicated.

Municipal ordinances may also restrict or regulate fireworks sales.

For more information about fireworks safety and Arkansas’ fireworks laws, contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (800) 482-8982 or visit www.gotyourbackarkansas.org.