Local News
Safety first when handling fireworks
By Tiffany GreenWhen the Fourth of July holiday approaching, safety needs to come first when handling fireworks according to local healthcare providers.
“It’s an explosive and it can be dangerous. Safety is the key,” Cullman Regional Medical Center medical director Dr. Neil Schamban said.
Schamban warned people to be cautious when playing with fireworks.
“Take precautions. Always have a adult present and avoid alcohol,” he said.
He said never to light a firework in the hand.
“People like to hold fireworks and light them,” Schamban said. “Sometimes the fuses are short and will blow up in their hand.”
Fireworks can be dangerous and can cause injuries to more than 9,000 people per year the Center for Disease Control reported. Of these, 56 percent were injuries to extremities, while 36 percent were to the head.
Children between the ages of five and 14 are the most frequently injured by fireworks.
“Only use as intended unless you are a Navy seal bomb expert,” Schamban said.
The best way to prevent fireworks related injuries is to leave them to trained professionals.
He said the most common injuries he has seen are eye, hand, and burns to the body.
“The firework can explod and shrapnel can hit a person,” he said. “Even if it is paper, if it is close enough, it can damage the eye because it is so hot.”
He said many people are careless and can injure their hands.
“Many hand injuries are caused because it is so hot or simply someone is just playing around,” he said. “Burns can also be caused by fireworks, either from the firework or from a secondary fire that can be started. It’s an explosive and it can be dangerous.”
Fireworks Unlimited LLC owner Fred Berry, who has been in the fireworks business for more than 28 years, reminded all to be safe when around fireworks.
“All fireworks are safe by following the printed instructions on the box, even if they malfunction,” Berry said. “If people get hurt it is only by misuse.”
Berry encouraged adults to supervise children handling fireworks.
“When my children were young, if it had been dry, we would wet the grass and area around where we were shooting fireworks,” he said. “Always place fireworks on hard surfaces.”
Sparklers need to be handled carefully too because they burn more than 1,000 degrees F. Light them one at a time at arm’s length. Always wear gloves while holding a sparkler and never give one to a child under five years of age.
“Safety is the key. I’m a huge fan of fireworks, but safety comes first,” Schamban said. “Fireworks are fun. Use as intended and the Fourth will be fun.”
Fireworks cannot be shot within the City of Cullman at any time, as it is against a city ordinance. Fireworks are allowed in Cullman County.
‰ Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 221.
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