Dade Inspectors Sweep For Illegal Fireworks
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Authorities were out in full force, checking for illegal fireworks throughout Miami-Dade County on Thursday, ahead of the July 4th weekend.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) inspectors conducted inspections looking for fireworks considered not legal for consumer use which are those that take off.
The inspections are meant to curb sales of the contraband and curb injuries related to the hazardous fireworks.
The risk of injury is especially high for children up to 14 years of age.
"We want to make sure children are supervised by adults, don't wear loose clothes and practice safe fireworks," said Miami-Dade Fire inspector Ozzy Norat.
Elizabeth Valdes, her mom and little sister were shopping for fireworks getting ready for Independence Day.
"I like Fourth of July because we get to light fireworks," said Valdes.
"It's not like it used to be when we were kids. Now it's gotten more dangerous so now I've gotten very protective with them," said Elizabeth's mother Ann Valdes.
Last year, 55 percent of injuries related to fireworks were to extremities and 38 percent were injuries to the head.
In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Officials want to point out what may seem like the simplest is not the safest.
"Sparklers are one of the most common fireworks but can be very dangerous. Yes they can be dangerous. We want to make sure that residents using these fireworks dispose of them properly. A good idea would be to have a bucket of water nearby and when done don't throw it away or toss it in the air. Grab it and stick it in the bucket to dispose of it," said Norat.
Dade fire officials had some suggestions on how to avoid the hazards of firework use.
"We recommend that residents of Miami-Dade County attend a professional show," said MDFR Fire Marshal Alan Cominsky. "Even a sparkler that looks harmless can be a hazard if used improperly."
Click here for more on July 4th in South Florida.