Special holiday requires special care

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VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  All fireworks have one thing in common - they are made out of gunpowder and designed to burn or explode.

Below are some tips from your Team Vance safety office to keep you safe during this year's holiday.

Every year, nearly 13,000 Americans receive injuries from fireworks. Most injuries are burns, lacerations, loss of fingers, impaired use of limbs and damage to the eyes, including blindness.

The most frequent victims of fireworks are children! Adults don't realize a child can be injured before anyone has time to respond.

Parents don't let a child hold a skillet full of hot grease, near 400 degrees, and yet they hand a child a sparkler burning at a temperature of near 1,800 degrees.

The best option to ensure a safe holiday is to avoid the personal use of fireworks and attend a professional fireworks display.

If you use personal fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July make sure you are not violating laws or regulations. Vance AFB Instruction 32-2002 prohibits the use of fireworks on base.

Enid Police Department cautions the use and, or possession of fireworks within the city limits is illegal. So if you plan on using fireworks, don't buy them and bring them into Enid city limits for any reason.

According to the Garfield County Sheriff the only legal place to set off fireworks in Garfield County is on private property, with the permission of the owner.

It is illegal to set off fireworks on country roads in Garfield County. None of the towns in Garfield County allow the use of fireworks within the city limits, including on private property.

People using fireworks are legally liable for any damages caused by their fireworks. If someone catches a wheat field on fire or damages a structure, they are liable for the damages, which could easily be several thousand dollars.

Additionally, it is a FELONY to throw fireworks out of or at any vehicle. This means serious jail time.

If you're in an area where you can legally use fireworks, remember to follow these safety guidelines: 

Purchase fireworks only from reputable, established dealers. Legal fireworks are tested as to quality and safety. Never attempt to build your own fireworks or use illegal explosives such as M-80s or "cherry bombs." 

A responsible adult should supervise all fireworks usage. When used properly, all fireworks can be safe. Children, however, should watch and not handle fireworks.

Use only one firework at a time. Do not attempt to combine or mix fireworks at the same time. Actions like this invite accidents.

Don't hold fireworks in your hand, this includes Roman candles.

Always use a punk to light fireworks. A match or lighter puts your hand too close to the device. Never light fireworks near other fireworks. Never try to re-light a fuse that has gone out.

Always light fireworks on a flat, hard surface away from spectators.

Never point or throw a firework at anytime. Make sure people and animals are a safe distance away from fireworks being set off. Use them only outdoors and away from houses and vehicles.

Alcohol and fireworks don't mix. National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends having a designated fireworks shooter responsible and able to light fireworks in a safe manner.

Use protective eyewear. Always exercise caution when using fireworks.

Keep a water hose nearby. Don't try to re-light a dud. Soak it in water and let it sit for at least 15 minutes before disposal.

Sparklers are fireworks. Use the same caution with sparklers as with other fireworks. Do not allow children to use sparklers.

Remember, losing your sight or a finger is a tragic price to pay for a few minutes of fun with fireworks!
(71st Flying Training Wing Safety Office)