(U-WIRE) EDMOND, Okla. – Turning the calendar to July reminds Americans of Independence Day festivities, but the National Council on Fireworks Safety urges consumers to put safety first with the holiday’s evening highlight.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that four people died in 2004 from firework-related accidents, while emergency rooms nationwide treated 9,600 burns, bruises, and cuts, most frequently of the hands, eyes, or head. CDC statistics show that children ages 5-9 have the highest rate of injury, and males account for 76% of victims. Roman candles, firecrackers, fountains, and sparklers are responsible for two-thirds of backyard Fourth of July injuries, said the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Out-of-control fireworks spark an estimated 50,000 fires with more than $20 million in damages each year to properties, homes, and cars, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fireworks top the NFPA list of products most likely to cause fire death, three times more than cigarettes.

Current data, however, does reflect lowered rates throughout the past several decades, due in part to stricter control and legislation. The Consumer Product Safety Commission implemented more specific standards for legal fireworks in 1976, like limiting the explosive charge to 50 milligrams of black powder and establishing fuse-length times. It also made labels mandatory with the manufacturer’s name, country of origin, safety warnings, and usage instructions.

Federal laws classify fireworks under the Hazardous Substance Act, which prohibits making or selling homemade explosives. The Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office has declared bottle rockets, cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s, and silver salutes illegal, and individual counties have specific regulations that designate fireworks to certain areas, usually outside city limits.

Tim Wheeler, Chief of Fire Prevention at the Edmond Fire Department, said both the sale and possession of fireworks is prohibited in Edmond. The public can watch professional pyrotechnics events, but is bared from participation. Local police or fire departments can provide information for your area. The American Pyrotechnic Association posts Oklahoma’s legal selling season as June 15-July 6.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety encourages the public to attend fireworks displays instead of buying from neighborhood stands. Whether at home or the town show, stand at least 500 feet away and avoid wearing flammable clothing like nylon and other synthetic fabrics that bond to the skin.

If you decide to light your own, the NCFS recommends choosing an area free of dry leaves and grass clippings. Read all enclosed manufacturers’ instructions, and avoid drinking alcohol on-site and at least four hours before heading outside with fireworks, said Wheeler. Soak supposed “duds” in a bucket of water after 15-20 minutes of cooling time along with all other burned materials that litter surrounding regions, and do not relight defective remnants. Keep a hose connected and a fire extinguisher nearby to prevent fires from spreading. Although Oklahoma state law allows children over 12 to buy fireworks, adults should supervise and accompany them. Use a bamboo punk instead of matches or lighters to avoid open flame, and never ignite them in your hand.

For more information about local regulations, call the Oklahoma State Fire Marshal’s office at 522-5005, or see more safety tips at http://www.fireworksafety.com/safety.html.

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