Fireworks safety: Know it before you blow it Published July 2, 2014 By Senior Airman Dillon Davis 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- With Independence Day coming up, fireworks are a great way to have fun, but they also require additional precautions to keep celebrations fun and safe. "While fireworks are fun to watch, they have significant dangers," said Billy Allday, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron fire prevention inspector. "Many consider sparklers to be safe fireworks. The truth is they are not. In fact, they present a serious burn injury potential. To give you an idea: Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and glass melts at only 900 degrees Fahrenheit so you can see how dangerous they are." All fireworks are banned on Altus AFB in accordance with Air Force Instruction 32-2001 Altus AFB Supplement, unless it is part of a base event and coordinated through the fire chief. Additionally, it is illegal to use fireworks within the City of Altus unless you gain prior approval through the city's fire chief according to Chapter 12, Article III, Section 12-49 of the Altus, Oklahoma, Code of Ordinances. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires and 16,300 outside and other fires in 2011. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage. In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,700 people for fireworks related injuries; 55 percent of 2012 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 31 percent were to the head. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for people ages 15-24, followed by children under the age of 10. On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. The National Safety Council advises that the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals. Altus AFB will be hosting an Independence Day celebration at Excellence Park July 4, 2014 from 7-11 p.m. The event is open to everyone with base access. There will be prize giveaways, food, drinks and a view of the City of Altus fireworks beginning at 9:45 p.m. However, if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to use them, be sure to follow these important safety tips: · Never allow young children to handle fireworks. · Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision. · Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials. · Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting. · Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used. · Never ignite devices in a container. · Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely. · Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire. For more information regarding fireworks safety, visit http://www.nfpa.org/fireworks.