Next week, Independence Day festivities honoring fallen soldiers and celebrating patriotism will be conducted in many Arkansas hometowns. The only difference is, this year, some will be without fireworks. The state Forestry Commission along with local officials, has moved to ban Fourth of July fireworks in towns across the state, including Hot Springs, Searcy, and Batesville, because of the drought we are experiencing in Arkansas.
All but 21 of the 75 counties in Arkansas had burn bans in effect today. This has led cities and property owners’ associations across much of Arkansas to cancel firework displays. In addition to the risk of fire, consumers who purchase fireworks are at risk for injuries. A special study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product safety Commission (CPSC), found that 65% of all fireworks injuries in 2011 were sustained during the 30 days surrounding the Independence Day holiday. More than half of these were the result of unexpected ignition of the device. Fireworks injuries in the form of burns to the hands and head are associated with even seemingly tame fireworks like sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals!
According to the CPSC and its federal partners, consumers who decide to purchase legal fireworks are urged to take these safety steps:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Always have an adult closely supervise fireworks activities if older children are allowed to handle devices.
- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and they could be dangerous to consumers.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light fireworks one at a time and them move back.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
It is illegal to attempt to sell or resell a recalled product. The CPSC is still receiving incident or injury reports related to fireworks. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury to the CPSC you can go online to SaferProducts.gov