Fireworks Safety Tips

Tri-Community South EMS encourages you to have a safe Independence Day holiday. On the Fourth of July, leave the pyrotechnics to the pyrotechnicians. Every year, people injure themselves and others through the illegal use of fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers. These injuries range in severity from severe trauma and hearing damage from explosive devices to painful burns from sparklers. All of them are preventable. The best prevention is to avoid using illegal fireworks.

As a safe alternative to fireworks, Tri-Community South EMS in cooperation with Mercy Trauma and Burn Centers, distributes free Glowsticks and fireworks injury prevention information to residents when available.

Glowsticks are plastic tubes filled with a non-toxic gel that glows in the dark when the tube is snapped. They glow for about twelve hours. Glowsticks are not recommended for children under five years of age. They are a safe alternative to sparklers for children over age five. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit during the minute that they burn, and can remain hot for minutes after they are extinguished. Glowsticks remain cool, and last hours longer than sparklers.

For more information on this program, call Tri-Community South EMS at 412-831-3710, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.