[Press Release] : Fireworks Safety

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Battalion Chief Steven E. Sapp - Public Information Officer -
(573) 874-7557

You wouldn't let your child play with fire, would you? Then why would
you let them play with fireworks?

COLUMBIA, MO (June 29, 2006) -- The Columbia Fire Department asks this
rhetorical question to make you think. If you wouldn't let your child
play with matches and lighters, then why would you allow them to play
with and discharge fireworks? Fireworks are not for children. Injuries
to children between ages 1-14 account for 42 percent of all injuries
attributed to fireworks.

An estimated 18,900 fireworks fires in 2004 caused approximately $21.8
million in property loss. About 52 percent of those fires occurred
during July around the Independence Day holiday. Children under age 15
suffered 40 percent of the 9,600 injuries from fireworks devices.
Firecrackers, sparklers and rockets are the leading contributors to
these injuries. These statistics, the most recent available, were
obtained from 2004 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data,
the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA's) Fire Loss in the
United States During 2004, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission's
2004 Fireworks Annual Report.

Columbia firefighters and Columbia police remind our citizens that
discharging fireworks within the city limits is prohibited by ordinance.
Leave fireworks to the professionals and attend the professional display
at Memorial Stadium on the UMC Campus or a professional display in your
local area. Again this year, a professional display and other
entertainment will be provided at the annual "Fire in the Sky". 

But, when you attend your community's local professional fireworks
display - do not bring fireworks! In past years, fire marshals
patrolling the area of the fireworks display witnessed several rockets
travel into crowds of onlookers and then explode. No serious injuries
were reported but the potential for severe injury including hearing
loss, eye injuries and severe burns are there. 

Realizing that even with all the warnings of how dangerous fireworks
are, should you travel to a jurisdiction where fireworks are legal to
discharge, please heed the following safety tips:

Fireworks should only be discharged by adults. Never allow children to
set off fireworks. 
Always wear eye protection when discharging fireworks. 

NEVER hold bottle rockets, flares or other like fireworks in your
hands. 

NEVER point fireworks at other people, vehicles or buildings. 

ALWAYS make sure persons are clear of the area when fireworks are being
discharged.
 
If you allow children to handle sparklers, always warn them NOT to
touch the tip or get close to other people. The extreme high temperature
at which a sparkler burns, up to 1,200 degrees, will cause serious
burns. Place the sparkler in a bucket of water to cool when it has
burned out. 

What goes up will come down! Always discharge fireworks in an open
area, clear of any buildings and other objects that could catch fire. 

ALWAYS call 911 IMMEDIATELY if a fire or personal injury occurs. 

Always have a garden hose, portable extinguisher or buckets of water
available should fireworks ignite grass, leaves or fall on buildings. 

If your hair or clothing catches fire, remember to STOP, DROP and ROLL
while you cover your face with your hands to protect your eyes, nose and
mouth. Roll until the fire is out or until help arrives to extinguish
the fire. 

Use only cool water to treat a burn. Never use salves or other liquids.
Use only cool water in large quantities and seek medical attention for
severe burns. 

Again, the men and women of the Columbia Fire Department urge you to
leave fireworks to the professionals and attend the free "Fire in the
Sky" display at the Memorial Stadium where you can sit back and safely
enjoy the show. 

- 30 -
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