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BBB offers fireworks safety tips

With Independence Day comes fireworks, which can be fun and beautiful, but also dangerous if mishandled. Although fun and beautiful, fireworks can be dangerous if mishandled. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 12,900 firework injuries were treated in the emergency room in 2017. Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas urges consumers to be fully prepared and know all the specifics about any fireworks purchased.

“Fireworks accidents can result in damage to property, devastating burns, injuries, even death”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “So, whether you will be attending a public or private fireworks show, it’s important that safety is your number one concern.”

BBB recommends the following tips to have an injury free Independence Day celebration with your friends and family:

• Do your research. Fireworks are usually sold on a roadside stand or at a temporary location. Go to bbb.org to find a reputable seller. Keep your proof of purchase and the original packaging in case something goes wrong.

• Know your surroundings. Be mindful of where you will be using the fireworks. Make sure fireworks are legal within your area before using them. Crowded subdivisions may pose a risk, as well as areas with a lot of vegetation that may spark a fire. Check to make sure your county is not in a burn ban, because you could face a hefty fine if caught shooting fireworks of any kind.

• Read the instructions and understand how to use them. Make sure you understand how to properly use the fireworks to avoid any damage to your property or injuries to yourself or others. Remember all fireworks can be dangerous if misused, so be sure to read and follow the instructions completely before igniting. Never stand over fireworks, light one at a time and quickly move to a safe distance immediately after lighting the firework.

• Keep a close eye on children. Always have adults supervise firework activities and never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

• Discard appropriately. After the fireworks complete their burning, douse the firework with water before discarding to prevent a fire.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and BBB urge the following to reduce firework-related injuries:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because it’s often a sign the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

• Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

For more tips on how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call BBB at 903-581-5704 or use BBB ScamTracker.

The Pittsburg Gazette

112 Quitman
Pittsburg, TX 75686

Phone: 903-856-6629