Safety Message for this July 4th Holiday
The Smithfield Fire and Cache County EMS department encourages county residents and visitors to enjoy our Independence Day Holiday, and we remind you that the safest way to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July is at one of the professional public displays available throughout the county.
Fireworks are a significant cause of injury, particularly to children. Fireworks also contribute to the threat of wildfires and structure fires. The risk of wildfire in Cache County is currently high, as evidenced by several vegetation fires that have occurred locally so far this year. Anyone who starts a fire, or whose children start a fire, can be held liable for fire suppression costs and property damage costs resulting from the use of fireworks.
LIFE SAFETY MESSAGE: (from the May, 2009 NFPA Fireworks Report)
THE SCOPE OF THE FIREWORKS PROBLEM: “Safe and Sane” fireworks are neither safe nor sane, and cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.
In 2006, 9,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.
In 2005, an estimated 2,500 reported structure or vehicle fires were ignited by fireworks.
In 2001-2005, an estimated 1 person per year was killed in reported fires started by fireworks, while 6 people per year were killed directly by fireworks.
Roughly 30,000 fireworks-related structure, vehicle, or outdoor fires were reported per year in 2002-2005.
Highest risks of fireworks injury are to school-age children. In 2006, 9 out of ten (90%) emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.
The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks as the most risky consumer product.
Here is the link for the full National Fire Protection Association May, 2009 Fireworks Report: http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf