NEWBERRY — New Year’s Eve is quickly approaching and many families will be lighting fireworks to celebrate the new year.

If you or someone you know is handling fireworks of any kind this New Year’s Eve it is important to know and understand how to safely dispose of and shoot off fireworks to avoid injuries.

City Fire Department Chief Keith Minick said that along with possibly injuring yourself, fireworks can also pose a threat to homes and various structures.

“We caution the use of fireworks in close proximity of structures. There is always a concern of the fireworks being discharged in a manner that might strike a person, structure and a field/brush pile that could be damaged or catch on fire,” he said.

He added that the best areas to shoot off fireworks are on level, hard surfaces away from structures or areas that may have large fuel hazards.

He stressed that it is important to make sure little ones are monitored by a responsible adult and know where they are at all times.

“Let responsible adults discharge the fireworks. Keep you family at a safe distance and monitor the kids whereabouts so they don’t run up to the shoot site,” he said.

Another important tip that Minick wants to encourage citizens to follow, is to always make sure that you are purchasing fireworks from a licensed professional and following manufacturers recommendations on how far to stand from a firework.

“Make sure it is a licensed facility and don’t buy from an individual just anywhere. You should follow the manufacturer recommendations as each one will be different. Sparklers are a big concern of mine due to seeing them handed to small kids not only during the Fourth of July or New Year events, but at weddings and other social events. They put off high heat and sparkles that can ignite loose clothing, hair, etc.,” Minick said.

Another safety hazard that is a concern are fireworks that are not fully extinguished. Minick said that no one should ever assume the firework is completely out or has finished discharging.

“Keep a water source near by, such as a garden hose, where you can wet down the fireworks and the area around it once you are finished shooting. Even if you have one that did not properly discharge, don’t move it right away. Wait several minutes and wet down before removing. Don’t try to relight it,” he said.

The National Fire Protection Association reported that fireworks cause an average of 18,500 reported fires per year and that sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room firework injuries.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission also offered various tips to safely shoot fireworks. Some of the tips for CPSC include:

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign the fireworks were made for professional displays and they could pose a danger to consumers.

This New Year’s Eve, practice firework safety by standing at a reasonable distance and waiting until it is fully extinguished.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Fireworks15.jpgThis New Year’s Eve, practice firework safety by standing at a reasonable distance and waiting until it is fully extinguished. Stock photo

By Kelly Duncan

kduncan@newberryobserver.com

Reach Kelly Duncan at 803-768-3123 ext. 1868 or on Twitter @TheNBOnews.