“Honey, hold my beer and watch this!”

Fireworks are a ball and most people using common sense are unharmed by firecrackers and other consumer fireworks. It’s when people are careless that things go sideways. Consumer fireworks now are legal in many Maine communities. Legal or illegal use of these explosives and incendiary devices need to have extra attention particularly when kids are around. Why?

Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees and things with a fuse are explosives.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 200 people go to the emergency room daily during the month surrounding the Fourth. More than half all fireworks injuries involve adults age 20-64. What kind of injuries?

• 41% Hands and fingers
• 12% Eyesv
• 19% Heads,faces ears
• 15% Trunks
• 13% Legs
• 1% Arms
• More than half ofinjuries involve burns.

“Honey? Hold my beer and watch this!”

Seventy-five percent of all fireworks accidents involve males who are old enough to know better. Guys – mixing alcohol and fire isn’t a great idea and can be the catalyst to an unintended accident. If you’re going to celebrate with fireworks, here’s what the CPSC offers as reminders about safety based on their experience:

• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

If you want to take a safety test offered by the fireworks industry, click here. If you want to read about the history of fireworks, click here. Have fun with your family and friends, celebrate the founding of our democracy and please, be careful.