McConnell practices firework safety

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Thornbury
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  This Independence Day, many American families will celebrate the U.S. declaring independence in 1776 by lighting the night sky with colorful explosions.

During the Fourth of July, a large number of people will spend the day carefree cooking, eating barbeque and swimming, followed by an evening of fireworks. Each activity may present hazards and risk management should be utilized at all times.

Just as the cook should be careful with the open flame of a barbeque grill everyone should be cautious with the fuse, sparks and explosion of a firework, and children should not be left unaccompanied in a pool as well as unsupervised with fireworks.

"If someone is not aware of the proper handling of fireworks, or is being careless, it is very likely they will injure themselves or others," said Robert D. Clapp, 22nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety manager.

Common body parts injured are hands, fingers, face and eyes. Some ways to minimize risk around fireworks are:

· Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
· Always have an adult supervise firework activities. Many people don't realize that sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause severe skin damage.
· Never place any part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting a fuse, then back up a safe distance immediately after.
· Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
· Never point or throw fireworks at yourself or another person.
· Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
· Light fireworks one at a time.
· Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
· After fireworks complete their burning, douse the remains with water before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
· Make sure the fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
· Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because it is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

"Fireworks can be dangerous, do not become complacent with fireworks," said Tech. Sgt. David Almy, 22nd ARW ground safety technician. "We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July weekend and return to their squadrons as healthy Airmen."