| Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. The Ridge Volunteer Rescue Squad encourages the public to forego the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. A list of local fireworks displays is provided at the bottom of this story.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), in 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injuries. 49% of the injuries were to the extremities and 46% were to the head. 55% of the 2006 fireworks injuries were burns, while 30% were contusions and lacerations.
The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population. In 2001-2005, an estimated 1 person per year was killed in reported fires started by fireworks, while 6 people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
Before you light fireworks — be prepared.
- Purchase only legal fireworks, available at approved stands.
- Talk with family members and guests about the laws for your area.
- Place pets indoors; they may become frightened.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.
- Have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.
- Know the emergency number to call for your area, your address/location, and basic first aid.
When lighting fireworks — be safe.
- Only a designated adult should light all fireworks.
- Light one at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until the display is finished.
- Use only outdoors, away from anything that can burn.
- To prevent injuries, never throw fireworks and never hold fireworks in your hand.
After you finish — be responsible.
- Clean up all debris when finished.
- If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen minutes and approach it carefully.
- Place it in a bucket of water to soak.
- Be sure all unused fireworks matches and lighters are out of the sight and reach of children.
Local public fireworks displays:
- St. Mary's County:
Friday, July 04, 2008
River Concert Series at St. Mary's College of Maryland
http://www.smcm.edu/rcs/
A Jazzy 4th Join Jeff Silberschlag and the Chesapeake Orchestra for a Fourth of July celebration featuring jazz great Hilary Kole, the Wyle soloist, Americana favorites and stay for a fireworks extravaganza. Concerts are free and begin at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Freedom Fest
http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/docs/press/releases/pressrelease.asp?id=1168
St. Mary's County Fairgrounds, Leonardtown, Route 5. 5 PM - 10:30 PM. Entertainment, exhibits, food and fireworks display. 301-475-4200 ext. 1849
- Calvert County
Thursday, July 03, 2008
North Beach Fireworks
http://www.ci.north-beach.md.us
On the Pavilion at 5th Street and Bay Avenue. There will be a free summer concert and fireworks show at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 410-257-9618.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Chesapeake Beach Fireworks
http://www.chesapeake-beach-md.us
At dusk on July 3. For more information, call 410-257-2230.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Fireworks Cruise
http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com
The Calvert Marine Museum will host a fireworks cruise from 8 to 10 p.m. Come see the fireworks with the best view in town onboard the Wm. B. Tennison. For more information, call 410-326-2042, Ext. 41.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Solomons Fireworks
http://www.sba.solomons.md.us
On the Solomons Riverwalk. Music and food vendors will be available. Rain date for fireworks is July 5. For more information, call 888-580-3856.
- Charles County
Friday, July 04, 2008
SoMD Blue Crabs Salute to the USA
http://www.somdbluecrabs.com
Independence Day Bash including Post-Game Fireworks.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Charles County Independence Day Fireworks Display
Charles County Fairgrounds, La Plata
http://CharlesCountyFair.com
Fireworks begin at dusk. 301-643-0033
Friday, July 04, 2008
Indian Head Annual 4th of July Celebration
http://TownofIndianHeadMD.org
Village Green Park. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m. 301-743-5574, 301-753-6633.
Friday, July 04, 2008
St. Charles Fireworks Display
Fireworks will be displayed at the Smallwood Village Shopping Center at dusk.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
SoMD Blue Crabs Salute to the USA
http://www.somdbluecrabs.com
Post-Game Fireworks.
- Washington, DC
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence Day Fireworks on the National Mall
http://www.nps.gov/mall/planyourvisit/fireworks.htm
Celebrating America's 232nd birthday in the Nation's Capital. 9:10 - 9:30 p.m. |
