Watch this video in Windows Media Player or on YouTube (transcript) 


"Consumers need to heed our warning: fireworks related incidents, especially those involving illegal fireworks, can be fatal," said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. "Only use legal fireworks and follow CPSC's tips to ensure your holiday remains festive and safe."

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July and year end celebrations. Remember, fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. You can help us prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths. How? By working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community. Here are someideas on what you can do.

Fireworks Safety Tips:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.http://www.cpsc.gov/info/fireworks/index.html

CPSC Fireworks Safety Press Conference - This Fourth of July, Put Safety First

Press Release # 10-282 

Transcript


Screen reading: "This Fourth of July, Put Safety First"

Pictures of mannequins in various poses and locations; last movement of 1812 Overture playing in background.

Simultaneous with sounds of cannon shots from 1812 Overture: (1) hand of mannequin explodes; (2) watermelon explodes; (3) with mannequin sitting behind a desk, desk explodes; (4) another watermelon explodes; (5) clothing of two mannequins holding sparklers burns; (6) firework rockets pelt mannequin sitting on chair; (7) another mannequin sitting behind a desk, desk explodes; (8) clothing of mannequin with fireworks in pockets burns; (9) another mannequin sitting behind a desk, desk explodes.

Audio and video: CPSC Chairman Inez Tennenbaum: "The numbers speak to the importance of our event today, consumers should know that there are about 200 injuries each day involving fireworks during the months surrounding the fourth of July. 200 injuries each day. And as we hear from Jason many of these injuries can be life altering".

Audio and video: Jason Henderson, fireworks injury victim: "I just hope, hope that somebody out there thinking about doing it, just its not worth it, you know you can mixem the chemicals together 5 or 6 times and get away with it, and then it just takes one time."

Picture of Jason Henderson after fireworks incident.

Audio and video: Jason Henderson: ".. and when it goes off it can really severely damage you and can change your life."

Audio and video: CPSC Chairman Inez Tennenbaum: "The fourth of July is such a wonderful time of year, whether you are headed out to watch a brilliant display of fireworks at a community event or celebrating in the backyard. Put safety first".

Screen reading: "For more life saving tips go to cpsc.gov"

Screen reading: "Watch, Share, Save. Watch the video. Share with a friend. Save a life."

End.