By By JULIE RUSSELL-The Brewton Standard
Fireworks are an important staple of every Fourth of July celebration. However, if not used carefully, fireworks can cause serious injuries.
The United States Fire Administration estimated that in 2003, at least 9,300 injuries were reported. The injuries were a result of improper fireworks-usage. Firecrackers proved to be the most dangerous, followed by bottle rockets and sparklers.
The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System found that nearly half of all fireworks-related injuries occurred to children under the age of 15.
According to Lawton Shipp, a code enforcer for the city of East Brewton, the most important thing for adults to remember is to keep a watch on children. Never allow children to shoot fireworks without supervision.
Shipp also said it is important to always use fireworks outside, in an open area.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer a few safety tips for the holiday weekend.