Fireworks to go on sale Tuesday; caution urged

Next Tuesday opens the season for fireworks sales in Oregon, and Jefferson County officials are among the first to plead that purchasers and users “Keep it Safe, Keep it Legal.”

Legal fireworks may be purchased only from Oregon permitted fireworks retailers and stands.

The Office of State Fire Marshal has issued more than 740 retail fireworks permits, and 131 display permits, officials said.

They reminded that Oregon law forbids possession, use, or sale of fireworks that fly, explode, or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air. Bottle rockets, Roman candles, and firecrackers are ILLEGAL in Oregon.

All fireworks are prohibited on all state of Oregon beaches, in parks, and campgrounds, they said.

Illegal fireworks can be expensive. Under Oregon law, officials may seize illegal fireworks and fine offenders up to $500 per violation for possession of illegal fireworks and endangering life and property.

Offenders may also be arrested. Any fireworks causing damage, or misuse of fireworks carries a liability for the offender, who may be required to pay for resulting fire or other damage. Parents are liable for fireworks-caused damage by their children. Costs may include assessed fines as well as the cost of suppressing fireworks-caused fires.

All Jefferson County Emergency Service Organizations ask the public to please “KEEP IT LEGAL, KEEP IT SAFE THIS SEASON!”

Meanwhile, the American College of Emergency Physicians urge Americans to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Here’s their Friday news release:

What would the 4 th of July be without fireworks? A little less busy in hospital emergency rooms. The nation’s emergency physicians urge you to celebrate the country’s birthday by using common sense when it comes to the potential dangers of fireworks.

We see many injuries in the ER due to fireworks around the 4 th of July,” said Dr. Michael Gerardi, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians . “Many of those ER visits are initiated with the line ‘hey watch this!'”

In 2013, eight people died and more than 11,000 people were injured in the United States because of fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC). It’s a significant increase from the year before. Additionally, 65 percent of those injuries occurred in the days surrounding July 4 th .

Last year, sparklers and rockets accounted for nearly half of all estimated injuries. Almost half (46 percent) of fireworks injuries are to a person’s hands or fingers. One-third (34 percent) of them are to a person’s eyes, head, face and ears (CPSC).

If fireworks are legal in your community, ACEP strongly suggests that you do not use fireworks at your home. If you do use them, however, these do’s and don’ts will help make it a safer experience.

DO — Have knowledgeable supervision by an experienced adult if you choose to use fireworks. DO — Buy fireworks from reputable dealers DO — Read warning labels and follow all instructions DO — Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand DO — Light fireworks one at a time DO — Dispose of all fireworks properly DON’T — Give any fireworks, including sparklers, to small children; older children should be supervised by a responsible adult DON’T — Light fireworks indoors or near other objects DON’T — Place your body over a fireworks device when trying to light the fuse and immediately back up to a safe distance after you light it. DON’T — Point or throw fireworks at another person, ever DON’T — Try to re-light or pick up fireworks have not ignited fully DON’T — Wear loose clothing while using any fireworks DON’T — Set off fireworks in glass or metal containers — the fragments can cause severe injury. DON’T — Carry fireworks in a pocket. DON’T — Try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks

You should only watch a professional fireworks display managed by experts who have proper training and experience handling these explosives,” said Dr. Gerardi. “Have fun and enjoy this great American holiday. As always, we’ll be ready to treat you, but we don’t want to have to see you in the ER.”

ACEP is the national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies.