Popular Searches
Print
E-mail
Comment
Rate
Share
Fireworks pose dangers, leave them to the pros
By Jamie Larson
COLUMBIA COUNTY - With the 4th of July days away shooting off fireworks in the back yard this weekend can be a blast, but local and state officials are warning residents about the risks associated with the beautiful bombs.
Fireworks are illegal in the state of New York and Captain David Bartlett of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said officers will be out and enforcing the law. Depending on the amount of fireworks, a perpetrator can be fined and even jailed.
Though they may seem like a lot of fun, Bartlett says people need to remember that the explosives are dangerous, causing property damage, injuries and even death. “We want the 4th to be a safe, enjoyable holiday,” Bartlett said. “We want people to go to any one of the nice shows around the county.”
The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) released a statement on keeping New Yorkers safe from harm around Independence Day. “Sparklers, bottle rockets and other fireworks should never be used at home. Simply put, they can severely injure you or even kill you,” said Thomas J. Cuff, Jr., president of FASNY. “Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a locally-sponsored display in your neighborhood. Check the community listings in your local newspaper, radio or television station, or online to find out where fireworks shows are being held in your area.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each July 4th holiday, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56 percent of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head.
The NFPA says in 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated six civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
As an example, NFPA points out that the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
Fireworks are illegal in the state of New York and Captain David Bartlett of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said officers will be out and enforcing the law. Depending on the amount of fireworks, a perpetrator can be fined and even jailed.
Though they may seem like a lot of fun, Bartlett says people need to remember that the explosives are dangerous, causing property damage, injuries and even death. “We want the 4th to be a safe, enjoyable holiday,” Bartlett said. “We want people to go to any one of the nice shows around the county.”
The Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) released a statement on keeping New Yorkers safe from harm around Independence Day. “Sparklers, bottle rockets and other fireworks should never be used at home. Simply put, they can severely injure you or even kill you,” said Thomas J. Cuff, Jr., president of FASNY. “Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a locally-sponsored display in your neighborhood. Check the community listings in your local newspaper, radio or television station, or online to find out where fireworks shows are being held in your area.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), each July 4th holiday, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 56 percent of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head.
The NFPA says in 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated six civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
As an example, NFPA points out that the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
Share this Article
 |
||
| Assemblyman Gordon introduces bill to help Kinderhook Power Authority |
Article Rating
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of registerstar.com.
You must register with a valid email to post comments. Only your Member ID will be posted with the comments.
Registered users sign in here: |
Become a Registered User |
