RICHARDSON – Celebrating the Fourth of July holiday can be fun, but it can also become tragic when a person is injured by consumer fireworks.
Richardson firefighters are reminding residents to stay safe and to remember about the City’s ordinance that prohibits the sale, storage or use of fireworks within City limits.
“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic is limiting the number of professional fireworks displays in the Metroplex, including Richardson, but please leave fireworks to the professionals. It will help stop the thousands of injuries and fires that occur every year as a result of the mishandling of fireworks,” said Richardson Fire Marshal Wesley Caskey.
The National Fire Protection Association offers some suggestions to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:
- Use glow sticks as a safe alternative to sparklers.
- Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and account for roughly one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
- Use noise makers instead of firecrackers. They can be found at local party supply stores or make your own. Many fireworks burn injuries are associated with premature detonation.
- Have an outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and a projector. Don’t forget the bug spray.
- Celebrate with red, white and blue silly string.
- Make a patriotic craft with the family.
- Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
For more information, visit www.nfpa.org/education
