Fireworks No. 1 cause of fires, injuries during Independence Day

ALBANY — More than two-thirds of all fireworks injuries occur during the four-week period surrounding Independence Day, according to the Georgia Office of Insurance and Fire Safety.

On the Fourth of July, itself, more fires are started nationwide by fireworks than any other cause. More than 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries, and frequently those incidents involve children.

In fact, more than 35 percent of individuals who sustain fireworks injuries are children 15 years old and younger, according to the Fireworks Injury Report issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children 5 to 9 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency-treated fireworks-related injuries (5.2 injuries per 100,000 people). Statistics also show that those injured are not necessarily the person handling the explosive, but nearly half of the injuries reported are from bystanders. Burns and eye injuries are the most common.

As of July 1, 2015, all consumer fireworks were legalized in Georgia, after which, Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner Ralph T. Hudgens urged citizens to take extreme caution to avoid injuries when using the incendiary devices.

“The latest report that we have is from 2015, but I do not think we have seen an increase of injuries since fireworks were legalized,” said Glenn Allen, Media Relations Director for Georgia’s Office of Commissioner of Insurance. “In 2015, there were 59 fires reported as caused by fireworks, but no reported injuries.”

With the holiday approaching, tents of temporary fireworks retailers are popping up around town. Albany also has a new permanent fireworks store, Jake’s Fireworks, which is located at 2814 Dawson Road. Jake’s had its grand opening on May 27.

“Business has been steady,” said Haily Moreland of Jake’s Fireworks. “The weekends are busier, but it has been pretty steady. We expect things to really pick up as we get closer to the Fourth of July.”

Although consumer fireworks are now legal in Georgia, there is still an age restriction for purchasing them.

“You have to be 18 years old,” said Moreland. “Of course, kids come in with their parents and the parents buy them, but if it is just a group of kids, we do card them to make sure they are old enough.”

The city of Albany is getting ready for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, according to Dale Henry, senior buyer with the city’s Central Services department.

“This time of year, I am also the fireworks coordinator,” said Henry. “We take safety very seriously. We generally start preparing the last week in April. My crew and I personally go through every piece of equipment. Each year we inspect, replace and repair anything that needs it.

“I have been doing this now for 27 years, and we have never had an injury. This year we will be doing the fireworks from the new Broad Street bridge, and we have some surprises, too, something we have never done in Albany before. It will be something to see. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. on the Fourth.”

Henry also stressed for citizens to NOT bring their own personal fireworks to the celebration.

“There is always a large crowd, and we just want to make sure that people definitely do not bring their own personal fireworks,” said Henry. “Leave that to the professionals.”

The Office of Insurance and Fire Safety recommends the following safety tips for using fireworks: Always read and follow label directions; only use fireworks outdoors; never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks; only light one firework at a time; never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision; never give fireworks to small children; be sure to have water handy; never throw fireworks at another person, and remember to call 911 for emergencies.