Don't Let The Start Of New Year Go Up In Smoke
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – If you plan to bring in the new year with your own homemade fireworks show, be careful.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reminds all parents to keep an eye on their kids if they are handling fireworks, even sparklers which burn at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, can be dangerous if used improperly.
Also, keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles and anything else that may ignite. Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from grassy and vegetated areas.
Never attempt to relight or alter malfunctioning fireworks. After allowing them to stand for several minutes, discard in a pail of water. Keep a hose and bucket of water handy.
Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly. Fireworks should never be held or thrown. Adults who have had a couple of alcoholic drinks and fireworks are not a good combination.
If clothes catch fire, remember to STOP, DROP onto the ground, cover your face, and ROLL over and over until the fire goes out.
In 2011, there were 9,600 fireworks-related injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Administration. About a quarter of those injuries were children under the age of 15.
That same year, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
