6/21/2007 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Four people were killed and more than 10,800 were injured by fireworks in 2005, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report on fireworks-related deaths and injuries released earlier this month. All of the injuries included in the report were treated by hospital emergency rooms, according to the report. Children under the age of 15 were injured in more than 45 percent of the cases; children and young adults under 20 comprised 55 percent of injuries.
The report describes the deaths as follows:
* In Florida, fireworks in a truck with several boxes of fireworks ignited, filling the cab with smoke. The driver lost control of the vehicle and ran it into a light pole. An 18-year-old passenger died in the subsequent vehicle fire.
* Fireworks in the car of a Virginia couple caught fire, causing both passengers to suffer second- and third-degree burns. The 18-year-old male passenger died 14 days after the vehicle fire.
* In Colorado, a 37-year-old man died from a torn aorta after an artillery shell-type firework exploded. The firework may not have fully launched from the tube.
* A 36-year-old California man died in a hospital days after he was struck in the face when an aerial shell in a launching tube ignited prematurely. He suffered inhalation burns to his lungs and throat and a major head injury.
The 50th Space Wing Safety Office has included fireworks safety tips in its Safety 101 presentation.
Anyone who will be in charge of lighting fireworks should plan ahead, said Lt. Col. Thomas Meyer, chief of 50th SW Safety. The safety office does not condone the personal use of fireworks but has created a list of do's and don'ts for people who choose to celebrate Independence Day with legal pyrotechnics.
Some do's and don'ts in the Safety 101 presentation include:
Do:
* Purchase fireworks from a reliable seller.
* Have an adult present to supervise all fireworks activity.
* Inspect fireworks carefully before use.
* Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby when setting off fireworks.
* Ignite fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and shrubbery.
* Launch fireworks from a paved surface in an open area, and keep spectators 25 to 100 feet from the firing site.
* Light fireworks one at a time, and wear eye protection at all times.
* Step out of the way quickly after lighting fireworks.
* Dispose of fireworks properly by dousing them in water after use.
* Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Don't:
* Give fireworks to small children.
* Point or throw fireworks at another person.
* Hold lit fireworks in your hand.
* Carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Set off fireworks in a large crowd.
* Use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials.
* Stand over fireworks while lighting.
* Experiment with homemade fireworks or attempt to make your own.
* Launch fireworks from metal or glass containers.
* Attempt to relight or fix fireworks that have misfired or not fired.
The report describes the deaths as follows:
* In Florida, fireworks in a truck with several boxes of fireworks ignited, filling the cab with smoke. The driver lost control of the vehicle and ran it into a light pole. An 18-year-old passenger died in the subsequent vehicle fire.
* Fireworks in the car of a Virginia couple caught fire, causing both passengers to suffer second- and third-degree burns. The 18-year-old male passenger died 14 days after the vehicle fire.
* In Colorado, a 37-year-old man died from a torn aorta after an artillery shell-type firework exploded. The firework may not have fully launched from the tube.
* A 36-year-old California man died in a hospital days after he was struck in the face when an aerial shell in a launching tube ignited prematurely. He suffered inhalation burns to his lungs and throat and a major head injury.
The 50th Space Wing Safety Office has included fireworks safety tips in its Safety 101 presentation.
Anyone who will be in charge of lighting fireworks should plan ahead, said Lt. Col. Thomas Meyer, chief of 50th SW Safety. The safety office does not condone the personal use of fireworks but has created a list of do's and don'ts for people who choose to celebrate Independence Day with legal pyrotechnics.
Some do's and don'ts in the Safety 101 presentation include:
Do:
* Purchase fireworks from a reliable seller.
* Have an adult present to supervise all fireworks activity.
* Inspect fireworks carefully before use.
* Have a fire extinguisher or bucket of water nearby when setting off fireworks.
* Ignite fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and shrubbery.
* Launch fireworks from a paved surface in an open area, and keep spectators 25 to 100 feet from the firing site.
* Light fireworks one at a time, and wear eye protection at all times.
* Step out of the way quickly after lighting fireworks.
* Dispose of fireworks properly by dousing them in water after use.
* Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Don't:
* Give fireworks to small children.
* Point or throw fireworks at another person.
* Hold lit fireworks in your hand.
* Carry fireworks in your pocket.
* Set off fireworks in a large crowd.
* Use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials.
* Stand over fireworks while lighting.
* Experiment with homemade fireworks or attempt to make your own.
* Launch fireworks from metal or glass containers.
* Attempt to relight or fix fireworks that have misfired or not fired.