According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an average 230 fireworks-related injuries near and on the 4th of July.
A local public health nurse says by following a few safety tips, fireworks users don't have to join the injury statistics. Rob Deede from the Oneida County Health Department says only purchase fireworks from a reputable dealer. He says light fireworks on a hard, flat surface and has other tips...
"...you want to use the firework as intended. Make sure you're lighting one firework at a time, don't light fireworks indoors and only adults should light fireworks. Make sure children and pets are in a safe place...."
He says pets should be inside and on a leash. He says have a bucket of water nearby and leave 'dud' fireworks sit for at least 15 minutes then put them in water. Deede says the safest bet is to let professionals do the fireworks display. In Wisconsin, if a firework explodes or leaves the ground, it's illegal or requires a permit.
Last 4th of July, New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul lost fingers in a fireworks explosion.
More information is on the Wisconsin Division of Healthwebsite.
