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As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, Seven Hills Fire District wants to remind everyone about the importance of fireworks safety. While it's a time for celebration with family and friends, it's crucial to be aware of the risks associated with fireworks.

According to a recent report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there has been a concerning increase in fireworks-related injuries over the past 15 years. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries climbed by 25% in the U.S., resulting in the loss of lives and countless injuries. Last year alone, at least nine individuals tragically lost their lives, and an estimated 11,500 people were injured due to incidents involving fireworks.

Here are some key findings from CPSC's report:

🔴 Six out of the nine deaths in the U.S. were associated with firework misuse.
🔴 Around 74% of the estimated fireworks-related injuries occurred during the one-month period between June 18 and July 18.
🔴 Young adults aged 20 to 24 had the highest rate of emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2021.
🔴 Hands and fingers were the most frequently injured body parts (31% of injuries), followed by the head, face, and ears (21%).

To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, CPSC urges consumers to follow these important safety tips:

🔵 Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
🔵 Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or mishap.
🔵 Light fireworks one at a time and promptly move away from the device after ignition.
🔵 Never attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Instead, soak them with water and discard them safely.
🔵 Avoid positioning any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse, and move to a safe distance immediately after ignition.
🔵 Never point or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at anyone.
🔵 After fireworks have finished burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water before discarding it to prevent a potential trash fire.
🔵 Ensure that fireworks are legal in your area and only purchase and use those labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
🔵 Refrain from using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Let's prioritize safety and make this Fourth of July a memorable occasion for all the right reasons. Enjoy the festivities responsibly, and have a fantastic Independence Day! 🎇🎉

#FireworksSafety #IndependenceDay #CelebrateResponsibly #SevenHillsFireDistrict