June 27, 2011: Are You Ready for Some Fireworks?

1. Sunshine today - nopt a tease like Sunday- accroding to Weather Bug.

2. Sunshine for Thursday as well, the night of the annual July in the Sky fireworks celebration.

3. Perhaps as a forewarning to the festivties that take place on or around the Fourth of July nationwide, June has been designated as Fireworks Safety Month. (LINK - http://www.brownielocks.com/month2.html) Although fireworks are a fun and exciting way to celebrate our nation’s freedom, they can be harmful, or even deadly, if not used properly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2010 more than 18,700 fireworks-related injuries were treated in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms, and approximately 9,000 of those injuries were children under 18. Most of these injuries were reported to be to the hands, fingers and eyes.
 
Keep in mind that, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, (LINK - www.ct.gov/dps/) all fireworks (with the exception of sparklers) are illegal in Connecticut and may not be sold, purchased or used, with the exception of regulated fireworks displays by state licensed, professional pyrothechnicians at sites which have been approved by state and local officials. Click here (LINK - http://www.ct.gov/dps/lib/dps/public_information_files/june_2006/fireworks_scan.pdf) for a diagram of what is considered legal and illegal in Connecticut. This link (LINK - http://www.americanpyro.com/) also provides information by state.
 
4. Even while using legal fireworks, there are some safety precautions that should be observed. Chris Ayres of the U.S. Army Public Health Command (LINK - http://www.army.mil/article/58519/June_is_National_Fireworks_Safety_Month/) offers these tips:
 

• 1. Never use fireworks in your home. Always set them off outside on a driveway or sidewalk.
• 2. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• 3. Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
• 4. Be aware of other people around you, and make sure they are out of range of the firework you are using.
• 5. Never point or shoot fireworks at another person.
• 6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• 7. Do not try to re-ignite a “dud,” as it could explode near your hands or face.
• 8. Only light one at a time.
• 9. Do not try to make your own fireworks.
• 10. Never drink and use fireworks at the same time.

 
5. If you decide to play it safe and celebrate the season by attending a fireworks display in your hometown or nearby, WTNH News Channel 8 (LINK - http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/connecticut/2011-connecticut-fireworks) has compiled a list of all the state’s major displays. Also check Patch.com’s Events Calendar for local festivities.