By Lemika Fondren
BLAINE, Minn. – (June 21, 2018) – The 4th of July is right around the corner and that means that people across the country will be out celebrating with family and friends, barbecues and of course, fireworks.
While fireworks are common on the 4th, they are associated with many injuries nationally each year. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, more than 30 percent of injuries are from sparklers, and about 40 percent of firework injuries happen to children.
Hospitals across the state see dozens of emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries. Here are a few tips on how to have fun and stay safe this year. Only use Minnesota-legal fireworks such as sparklers, cones, tubes, snakes and party poppers.
Items like firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles are illegal in Minnesota. Use fireworks in an open area away from trees and houses. Extinguish and dispose of spent fireworks in a bucket of water.
Do not try to relight a dud. Finally, always use caution around fireworks and make sure children are supervised.
