By Michigan State Police
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 240 people nationwide go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. Due to these injuries, the Michigan State Police is reminding citizens to take extra safety precautions if your July Fourth celebration includes fireworks.
“Fireworks pose a serious fire and burn hazard because they are unpredictable,” said Community Service Trooper Martin Miller, Rockford Post. “Even supervised use of legal fireworks can result in devastating injuries.”
If you choose to use fireworks at home, follow these safety precautions:
Read and follow all warnings and instructions included on the packaging.
Never allow children to play with fireworks of any kind.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Wear protective clothing, including eyewear.
Only ignite devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable materials.
Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.
Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned.
The sale and use of consumer fireworks became legal on Jan. 1, 2012, when the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, Public Act 256 of 2011, went into effect. Low impact fireworks and ground-based items, such as sparkers, toy snakes, snaps and poppers remain legal for sale and use.
A list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks and novelties is outlined here.
To learn more about fireworks safety, the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act or state-certified fireworks retailers, go to the Bureau of Fire Services website here.
