Safety Tips for Fireworks
  

Pretty as they are, fireworks can be very dangerous if not handled correctly. In 2002 alone around 8,800 people were treated with fireworks-related injuries. Over the past ten years, 30 percent of injuries associated with fireworks have typically been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks.

To ensure a safe holiday and raise public awareness on how to use fireworks, the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter offers the following tips for safety:

• Have an adult present and never give fireworks to small children.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Always have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing them in a trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Keep the firework containers at least 15 feet from buildings.
• Report any abandoned cars to prevent accidents.  

Fourth of July celebration can also be dangerous and frightening for pets. The noise from fireworks can cause them pain and discomfort. When frightened, animals will do everything to escape – they will dig under the fences and chew off their leashes.

• Make certain your pet has a good strong collar with current license tags, in the event it escapes.
• Never let off fireworks near animals.
• Keep your pets at home when you go to watch a fireworks display.
• Make sure all pets are comfortable indoors, in a secure area with the curtains closed.
• Leave the television or radio on to camouflage the noise of the fireworks.
• If you remain home with your animal don’t reinforce its behavior by offering sympathy, instead divert its attention by playing a game or stroking the animal.
• Leave a scared cat alone.  Don’t try to force a cat from its hiding place.  The cat will come out when it feels safe.
• Be your pet’s best friend; help them with their fears.

To find out more about firework safety, visit the official website of National Council on Fireworks Safety at www.fireworksafety.com.

For emergency and first aid kits, CPR and first aid training, pet first aid, and to learn how you can be properly trained, empowered and prepared to handle emergencies, contact the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter by calling 503-284-1234 or by visiting www.redcross-pdx.org.

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies. Oregon Trail Chapter Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters every 40 hours on average. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide food, clothing, shelter, counseling and other emergency services. To help those in immediate need call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org