As your proud fire and medical emergency service providers, North Metro Fire Rescue is asking Northglenn residents to use caution when enjoying the festivities associated with Independence Day. Although we have been fortunate to receive occasional rain showers this spring-the environment still remains dry and our region has an increased fire risk. In addition, needless fires start and serious injuries occur every year due to fireworks use.
While many individuals consider personal firework use a matter of family tradition and an expression of their "rights", the greater issue of safety is often ignored. Unintentional fireworks injuries occur at every age level-however, 40% occur to children under age 15. Even with adults present, mishaps still occur due to delayed or early fireworks explosions, errant flight paths of rockets, debris from aerial fireworks and the mishandling of sparklers (CSPC, 2004).
Both legal and illegal fireworks have been known to cause injury; therefore parents should not assume that they are protected because they purchased fireworks at a stand or storefront. And, no one should minimize the extent of the injuries caused by these devices. The most common parts of the body which are injured include hands (33%), eyes (28%) and the head/face (16%). Over half of the injuries to the hands, head and face involve burns (62%). And contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies were the most frequent type of injuries sustained by the eyes (20%) (CSPC, 2004).
As noted above, these injuries can be debilitating and scarring. Some of the injuries have permanent impact-including blindness, amputation and even death. Yet, many parents do not associate the dangers of fireworks with the potential negative effects.
Imagine handing your four year old child a pan that was just cooking bacon on your stovetop-this doesn't sound reasonable at all, does it? However, the same conscientious parent will hand a small child a sparkler to celebrate the holidays. Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and they account for about 1/2 of the injuries to children under five (CSPC, 2004).
Just as a reminder, it is illegal to use or possess fireworks, sparklers, fountains or cones in the City of Northglenn. Violations of the City of Northglenn fireworks ordinance can result in a fine and possible jail time. If the illegal use of fireworks leads to an actual fire in our community additional charges could be added, including arson. Individuals wanting to notify emergency responders about violations in their neighborhood should call the Adams' County Communication Center by dialing 9-1-1.
North Metro Fire Rescue wants to encourage all residents to avoid a needless court appearance, loss of property, or injury by refraining from the personal use of fireworks. Enjoy the City and County professional fireworks display held at dusk on the 4 th of July at EB Rains Jr. Memorial Park (11701 Community Center Drive).
Celebrating the 4 th of July doesn't have to exclude fireworks all together-your family can join others in our community to enjoy a public fireworks display!