Rural/Metro offers fireworks safety tips

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) - It is an American tradition to celebrate the nation's birthday on July 4th with parades, cookouts, and sometimes, fireworks. However, a fun-filled celebration can quickly become dangerous when fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays are used improperly or by those not trained to do so safely.

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that across the country more than 200 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the time surrounding the Fourth of July.

Rural Metro Fire is urging the public to celebrate and enjoy the upcoming holiday without lighting their own fireworks. While it may seem like a fun activity, many things could go terribly wrong, and attending a public firework display can be just as enjoyable and much safer. At these displays, certified and licensed pyrotechnicians are trained and experienced in the safe use of fireworks and will provide an exciting show without the risk of injury.

The following tips should help make a public firework display safer and more enjoyable:

Stay a safe distance away from where the fireworks are exploding, and wear earplugs if the noises are uncomfortably loud.
Obey all monitors and ushers, and respect the safety barriers established that allow the trained pyrotechnicians room to safely do their job. Resist any temptation to get close to the actual firing site – in fact, the best view of fireworks is typically from a quarter mile away or more.
If you do happen to find any pieces that may not have exploded, immediately contact the local fire or police department. Do not touch them, and keep others away.
Leave pets at home if you attend a firework show. Pets have very sensitive ears and the “booms” and “bangs” associated with firework displays can be quite uncomfortable and scary – particularly to dogs.