By Fire Chief Sam DiGiovanna
“Wash your hands. Don’t risk losing them.” That’s a key message behind a new fireworks video from the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA), which reinforces the dangers of consumer fireworks.
According to NFPA’s latest fireworks report, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 19,500 fires caused by fireworks in 2018, while U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 non-occupational fireworks related injuries.
NFPA is encouraging media outlets to share this new video to help reduce the collective damage incurred by consumer fireworks, particularly as public displays have been canceled this year, and to ease the burden on first responders and emergency room workers who are on the frontlines of COVID-19.
For more information about the dangers of consumer fireworks, along with safety tip sheets and a wealth of resources to help enjoy the holiday safely, visit www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
