101 Critical Days of Summer - fireworks safety Published July 2, 2014 By Robins Fire Department ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- On this July fourth, as in past years, Americans will celebrate with parades, cookouts and fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Commission, fireworks will account for more than 11,000 injuries this year, 55 percent of which will be from burns involving the hands, eyes and head. While most injures will occur from legal fireworks, many will occur from illegal fireworks, and half the victims are likely to be under 15 years of age. Fireworks banned under federal law: *M-80s, cherry bombs, and firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of powder - which is equivalent to about one-sixth the weight of a typical aspirin tablet. *Large re-loadable shells *Aerial bombs *Mail-order kits for building fireworks Some safety tips whenchoosing to use fireworks: *Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Check the instructions for special handling and storage requirements. *Never allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered safe, burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit - hot enough to ignite clothing. *Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. *Always light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, buildings and grassy areas, and never light fireworks around flammable materials. *Make sure areas are clear of people before igniting fireworks. *Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse them with water and discard. *Never light fireworks in a glass or metal container; shrapnel from these containers can cause serious injuries or even death. *Keep unused fireworks away from the designated firing area. *Keep a bucket of water available for emergencies. *Never experiment, modify or try to make fireworks. *Never throw or toss fireworks at another person. *Do not wear loose clothing; it can very easily catch fire. *Only light fireworks one at a time. *Do not mix drinking and drugs with fireworks. *In case of an emergency make sure you know the emergency reporting number in the area you are in - usually a 911 number. If an accident occurs, do not delay medical attention even for seemingly mild injuries. Remember, there is no safe way to play with fireworks. The only safe way to enjoy fireworks is at a professionally-run public display. The use and storage of fireworks is strictly prohibited on Robins unless prior approval has been obtained in writing from the installation commander. For more information, contact the Robins Fire Department at 468-2145.