We know you like your Independence, and enjoy doing things yourself. But trust us, on Independence Day in California, it’s best to leave the fireworks shows to the professionals. Here are a few reasons why:
Purchasing, selling, or detonating fireworks is illegal in many cities throughout California.
That’s a good thing. The problem is, surrounding cities and unincorporated county areas often allow the sale of so-called “Safe and Sane” fireworks. Folks can simply drive to a neighboring area, and purchase these explosive devices. They bring them back into the city where fireworks are illegal, and stage their own neighborhood pyrotechnics show. The results can be damaging, and even deadly.
There’s no such thing as “Safe and Sane” fireworks in the hands of amateurs.
“Safe and Sane” is a misnomer. These explosive devices are neither safe nor sane. A hand-held “sparkler” burns between 1200 and 1800 degrees Farenheit, throwing off metallic sparks and embers. A pot of boiling water boils at 212 degrees Farenheit. You wouldn’t let a child put his or her hand in a pot of boiling water. So, why in the world would you allow a child to run around with a sparkler?
So called “Safe and Sane” devices are often manufactured outside of the country, under less than stringent regulations. In the hands of amateurs who haven’t been trained in the proper handling of pyrotechnics, people can get hurt. Add California’s devastating drought and July being the heart of wildfire season, fireworks can easily start structure or brushfires.
People get injured and even die EVERY YEAR using fireworks.
According to a US Consumer Products Safety Study, CPSC staff received reports of 11 nonoccupational fireworks-related deaths occurring in 10 incidents during 2014.
Four victims died in house fires caused by fireworks, including several where the person(s) killed may not have even been using them.
Seven victims died as a direct result of exposure to heat and/or blast impacts.
Finally, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2014
Kids are often the victims of fireworks injuries.
Each year, from June 20 to July 20, an average of 230 people go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries EACH DAY. Statistics from the CSPC show that nearly half of the these injuries happen to kids under the age of 16. Don’t let your children or family members become a statistic!
There are so many choices for high quality fireworks shows not far from where you live.
If you have internet access, finding great fireworks shows in your region is just an internet search away. Staged by professionals, including timed music, these shows are fun and exciting, and bring people together to enjoy a real American pastime. And most importantly, they are presented under stringent safety guidelines by people trained to handle such explosives.
If you’re in the Los Angeles area, you can go to SafeJuly4th.org for a list of shows.
