CINCINNATI -- The Queen City will soon celebrate the Fourth of July and that means one thing: fireworks.
In preparation of the big day, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has released its annual fireworks report.
According to the report, fireworks were involved in about 11,100 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms last year. The commission also reported four non-occupational firework-related deaths in 2016.
Children younger than 15 accounted for 31 percent of the injuries last year, and the most injured body parts were hands and fingers.
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As Cincinnatians gear up to celebrate Independence Day, The National Council on Fireworks offers the following safety tips when using fireworks:
Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
