Stay safe while having fun on the July 4th weekend

By WKTV News

Story Created: Jul 3, 2009 at 8:02 AM EST

Story Updated: Jul 3, 2009 at 8:02 AM EST

NEW YORK, N.Y (WKTV) - The Firemen's Association of the State of New York reminds you not to play with illegal fireworks while celebrating the Fourth of July.

According to the FASNY, more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year in the U.S.

"Sparklers, bottle rockets, and other fireworks should never be used at home," said Thomas Cuff, Jr., President of FASNY. "Simply put, they can severely injure you or even kill you."

Thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

In 2007, U.S. hospitals emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries. 56% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.

Cuff: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals and attend a locally-sponsored display in your neighborhood."
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