Media Release

10:48 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - With the burn ban now lifted, the Alachua County Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to follow these sparkler and fireworks safety tips from the Community Fire & Burn Prevention Program and the National Council on Fireworks Safety.  Burns are a common cause of injury during the summer months and especially in July.  Fire and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages fourteen and under.  Approximately 10,000 people suffer fireworks injuries every year, including over 4,000 children ages fourteen and under.  Burns resulting from improper use of sparklers and recreational use of illegal fireworks usually involve the hands, face, arms, and chest areas.

Keep your July holiday activities enjoyable, fun, and safe by only using sparkler classified items and following these safety guidelines:

• Review the list of Florida State approved sparklers found at http://www.fldfs.com/SFM/sparklerindex.htm.
• The best guideline is to leave all fireworks activity to the professionals.
• Remember with few exceptions, it is illegal to use fireworks that leave the ground or explode in the State of Florida.
• Check with your local police or fire department to determine where approved public fireworks displays are provided in your area.

If you are at a location where fireworks are being illegally used please follow these guidelines:

• Only adults should handle fireworks.  Read and follow all instructions with fireworks.  All fireworks must carry a warning label to discuss necessary safety precautions.
• Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never place your face or any other part of your body over fireworks.
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks that have malfunctioned. Soak with water and throw them away.
• Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy
• Only light fireworks on a smooth flat surface away from houses, dry leaves and any other flammable materials.
• Never throw, point or, shoot fireworks towards people, buildings, vehicles, or wooded areas, especially if the weather has been dry.
• Never hold or get close to any lit fireworks.
• Watch what you wear.  Loose clothing can catch fire, and should not be worn while handling fireworks. The fireworks user should always wear eye protection.

For more information, please contact the Alachua County Department of Public Safety at 352-384-3101.

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