The Live Safe Foundation’s July Spotlight:Firework Safety Month: Keep It Safe!Scan for Student-

Parent Safety Checklist

PA R T N E R S I N P R E V E N T I O N

Fireworks Safety Month: Keep it Safe to Prevent Injuries

L I

SPREAD THE WORD for Live Safe Foundation www.live-safe.org. DONATE TODAY!

Fireworks are a traditional part of many 4th of Julycelebrations. For some, the holiday just isn’t complete without sparklers and a chorus of “ooohs” and “aahhs” when it finally gets dark and the big show begins. But, all the fun and celebrating ends quickly when careless and inappropriate use of fireworks results in injury.

Did You Know?According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 9,000 people in the U.S. were treated in 2009 for fireworks-related injuries.

About two-thirds of fireworks injuries are from backyard or Class C fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles, which are illegal in some states.

Sparklers account for many burn injuries in children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

The best way to prevent fireworks-related injuries is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals. For those who participate, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following advice:

Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don’t realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five.

Always read and follow label directions.

Be sure every person is out of the general range before igniting fireworks.

Ignite fireworks where you have a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.

Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have not fully functioned on the first attempt.

Keep a bucket of water nearby in case fireworks malfunction or a fire occurs.

Grilling Safety TipsOutdoor Grills – Grills in use should always be at least 15 feet away from any building. Use extreme caution with charcoal grills, especially when you apply lighter fluid to the coals. Never put additional fluid on coals that are already burning, and never use any flammable liquid other than charcoal starter fluid. Proper disposal of used charcoal is also very important. Grills should be closed and kept at least 15 feet away from the building for 24 hours or until the coals have burned out completely. If you are not sure whether or not the coals are completely burned out, check them by stirring them, and then pouring water on them. If steam rises you should leave the coals covered for an additional 24 hours.

Gas grills – Gas grills pose different hazards. The auto ignition must be in proper working order. Never light the gas grill with a match. Failure of the auto ignition can create a gas buildup that will flash when lit by a match. Always turn the grill controls and propane tank off when finished using the grill. Leaving a tank turned on can permit gas to escape, which a single spark could ignite. Do not move the grill within 15 feet of the building until it has cooled down.

For more information visit abcofire.com.