Play It Safe This Fourth of July!

The Fourth of July -- what a day for picnics, family get-togethers, and of course, fireworks! An average of 10,000 fireworks related injuries are reported every year in emergency rooms across the country.  Alarming statistics show children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old account for the highest percentage of those injuries.

Even legal fireworks can be dangerous.  Something as simple as a fireworks sparkler burns at a temperature of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.  All too often, these types of fireworks which are considered legal end up in the hands of young children who are usually unsupervised.

Eastside Fire & Rescue and fire departments throughout the State encourage you to take a few precautions during this Fourth of July celebration:

·         Designate a sober, responsible adult to light fireworks.  Do not let children light them.

·         Use fireworks only outdoors, away from anything that can burn such as trees, buildings, bark, dry fields, or wood storage areas.

·         Keep a bucket of water nearby to place all used fireworks in before disposing.

·         Have a charged hose or extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.

·         Light one device at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until the display is finished.

·         Duds can be DANGEROUS – do not relight a device that did not function or explode.

·         Use only approved legal, common fireworks from reliable State of Washington licensed retailers.

·         Help protect your pets by keeping them indoors.

REMEMBER, contact your local fire department for information on fireworks regulations in your area.   The safest way to celebrate this year is to attend a fireworks display.  For more information on regulations within the boundaries of Eastside Fire & Rescue, log onto:  www.eastsidefire-rescue.org