Worcester Braces for Fireworks Injuries
Wednesday, July 02, 2014
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, from June 21st to July 21st, an average of 240 people nationally visited the emergency room with a fireworks related injury. Of the injuries reported, 40-percent were to children younger than 15, and more than 50-percent were to individuals younger than 20.
“We are following the recommendations of the Department of Fire Services,” said Deputy Chief Geoffrey Gardell, Public Information Officer for the Worcester Fire Department. “We understand the excitement of the Fourth of July and of fireworks, but we also look at the potential hazards and risks. Even sparklers – something typically given to children – are dangerous; they burn at 1,200 degrees and promote match and lighter use among children.”
Various hospitals, fire departments, police departments, and other organizations throughout the state are making recommendations to citizens of the Commonwealth in regards to fireworks usage during the holiday weekend and beyond. One common slogan that has appeared in Massachusetts has been “Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals,” urging citizens to go to public displays rather than bringing in their own fireworks illegally.
Fire Concerns
In addition to injuries, Worcester is also preparing for potential fire hazards caused by fireworks. Last year, the Worcester Fire Department responded to a fire at a three floor apartment where fireworks had ignited the roof of the building. One firefighter was injured at the fire and the damages at the apartment were assessed at $12,000.
To avoid another fire in Worcester, Gardell urges all residents of Worcester and beyond to follow the advice of authority figures throughout the state. Fireworks are an exciting part of the Fourth of July, but there are plenty places to see them throughout the state that won’t be dangerous or cause a house fire.
Illegal in MA
The Worcester Fire Department and others from the city and state are preparing for a potential rash of injuries and fires, but Gardell points out that fireworks are illegal in the state.
While not able to stop 100-percent of fireworks from coming into the state, local fire departments, police departments, and the Department of Transportation are all doing their part to find and confiscate fireworks. In addition, the state has been trying to educate citizens about the dangers of fireworks.
“I can understand the attraction and excitement of fireworks. We all can. But we can also understand the danger,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan. “I realize we cannot stop 100% of illegal fireworks use in our state, but our strong law and public education efforts are effective at keeping the fires and injuries lower than where they are allowed. So please, leave the fireworks to the professionals.”
Related Slideshow: Central MA’s Fourth of July Events 2014
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