Fireworks: Leave them to the pros Published June 30, 2011 By Staff Sgt. Horace Conney 14th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Instructor COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Fireworks are designed to burn and explode. In the wrong hands they can be unpredictable and even fireworks that are legal under federal law are very dangerous. If people realized just how dangerous fireworks really are they would choose to leave the explosions, showers of hot sparks, and the potential for great injury to the professionals who are trained in using them. Fireworks are deceptively intriguing devices with an obvious attraction to children. As a result, children make up the largest group to receive injuries involving fireworks. Parents and other adults make a serious mistake when they allow children to play with fireworks. Fireworks are not toys; teach children not to touch found fireworks and to stay away from others who shoot them off. Fireworks used by amateurs cause thousands of serious injuries each year; these injuries include burns, lacerations, amputations, and blindness to the users as well as bystanders. If you're an amateur, there is no safe way to handle fireworks. Even sparklers, often considered "safe," burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. and will burn and scare the skin. The safest approach to fireworks, while still being able to demonstrate your patriotism this July 4th is to sit back and enjoy them from a distance at a public display presented by professionals. Fireworks Safety Tips - No fireworks of any kind are allowed on base. - Fireworks should only be used outdoors. - Children using fireworks should always be supervised by an adult. - Never hold fireworks while lighting them. - Spectators should always remain at a safe distance. - Users should always make sure live fireworks are completely extinguished, especially if they fail to go off. - Extinguish all fireworks lighting devices after use. - Never ignite fireworks around combustible items such as dry foliage or trash.