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Community Corner

Safety Tips for Firework Users

We want you to have a safe Independence Day weekend, so we've talked to the experts and compiled a list to help you do just that.

If your neighborhood is typical, you can expect to hear lots of booming and crackling this weekend. The Fourth of July celebrations will undoubtedly run through Tuesday. 

During this holiday weekend, Bloomingdale Patch wants you and your families to use fireworks safely so we've spoken to a few experts in this area to get some tips for you.

A public safety notice from the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue department noted, "There is no ban on fireworks this year."  If drought conditions had worsened, the county may have had to reconsider.

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Florida permits several types of fireworks to be used legally. It permits the use of sparklers and other devices in which paper caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used, such as the following: novelties and trick noisemakers - snakes or glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches, cigarette loads and auto burglar alarms.

While you are using these devices, you should use caution.  Something as simple as a sparkler can cause a major burn to a child or adult. At Universe Fireworks Co., a permanent fireworks stand on U.S. 301 in Riverview, Cheri Even, the office manager mentioned, "We give a 'punk' for free to all customers who buy fireworks that go in the air." Similar to incense, Wikipedia says "a punk is a smoldering stick used for lighting firework fuses."

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Even said they provide each customer a booklet of safety standards. 

"In general," she stated, "No children under 18 years of age should handle fireworks; never hold a firework in your hand; and always read the instructions and which way the firework burns."

While Even mentioned 18 as a minimum age, the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue department has a less stringent age code. Follow the simple tools below and you and your family can have a safe time celebrating our country's independence.

  • Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
  • Use fireworks outdoors only.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Keep lit sparklers at arm's length, away from your face, body or clothing, or someone nearby.
  • Keep lit sparklers away from flammable materials, such gasoline, hair spray or alcohol, and brush, leaves and homes.
  • Do not grab the burned or burning portion of a sparkler, as they are hot and can cause serious burns.
  • Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
  • Dispose of used sparklers in a bucket of water or sand or on a metal tray.
  • Once cool, dispose of the used sparkler wires in the trash.
  • Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).

 

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