Salt Lake firefighters and Red Cross demonstrate fireworks dangers and share safety tips

SALT LAKE CITY — Local first responders are issuing a warning about fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July. To help you better understand the risks, Salt Lake City firefighters and the Utah Red Cross are demonstrating how dangerous they can be. They want people to know the risks that mishandling fireworks pose for injuries or fires, and the easy things you can do to avoid them.

Sadly, firefighters tell KSL that severe accidents with fireworks happen far too often. As fun as they are, every year, fireworks are responsible for 20,000 fires nationwide. In July alone, more than 10,000 people suffer firework-related injuries serious enough to go to the emergency room.

That's why they warn fireworks are unpredictable, explode unexpectedly, and they want you to be smart about them.

"Most of the time we see hand or limb injuries; we also see a number of burns," said Capt. Brandt Hancuff, with the Salt Lake City Fire Department.

"Really just people not paying attention to what they're doing, they're just looking to have some fun, they get a little overzealous," said Jeremiah LaFranca, executive director of the Greater Salt Lake area chapter of the American Red Cross.

They strongly encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a free show for the holiday, but if you are going to light them off, they stress you follow these 10 important safety tips:

1. Know which fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
2. Never use professional-grade fireworks.
3. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or accidents.
4. Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
5. Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and dispose of them safely.
6. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
7. Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
8. Always supervise children when they are using sparklers.
9. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string or glow sticks.
10. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for several hours before discarding them.

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