Don't set fireworks safety ablaze Published June 26, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Maurice A. Hodges 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The Fourth of July is a holiday for families to come together, fire up the grill and celebrate America's freedom. One way to celebrate this day is by bringing out mortars, sparklers and projectiles. Americans buy over 200 million pounds of fireworks annually to observe the Fourth of July, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association the United States. While enjoying the festivities, many people do not think about the dangers that fireworks may bring when in reality, there is always potential danger. For example, one common type of firework is sparklers, a hand-held firework that burns slowly while emitting colored flames. It can burn at temperatures as hot as 1800 to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit. "I teach my children the proper handling of fireworks, because a minor error in judgment could result in a serious injury." says Senior Master Sgt. Paul Wilkins, 22nd Air Refueling Wing plans and programs superintendent and father of five children. Following Wilkins' example, Airmen should educate themselves and their families on the safe and responsible use of fireworks to avoid joining the following U.S. Fire Administration 2010 statistics: Two out of five people injured by fireworks were under 15 years of age U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for firework related injuries 18,000 reported fires were caused by fireworks "Each county and city has different laws to follow," says Tech. Sgt. Jesse Fuller, 931st Air Refueling Group safety personnel. "Just because it is legal in one city does not mean it is legal everywhere." Since McConnell is located in Kansas, Airmen must follow guidelines listed at www.wichita.gov. For additional safety information, Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips: Always read and follow label directions Have an adult present Use outdoors only Always have water readily available (a garden hose and a bucket) Never experiment or make your own fireworks Light only one firework at a time Never give fireworks to small children Store fireworks in a cool, dry place Never throw or point fireworks at other people Never carry fireworks in your pocket Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework Stay away from illegal explosives (for example M-80, M-100, M-250 and M-1000) For more information, contact McConnell's Safety Office at (316) 759-3216.