A member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office bomb squad inserted M-80 firecrackers into melons on Monday, and in a matter of seconds, the melons exploded into a thousand tiny pieces.
First responders used Monday’s demonstration to warn South Florida residents to avoid having any limbs look like that shattered melon when they are celebrating the Fourth of July this week.
Last year, eight people died and 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries nationwide, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
In the past year, 11 Palm Beach County residents or visitors were treated for traumatic injuries related to fireworks, including five children ages 12-17. About 60% of these critical injuries occurred during last year’s July Fourth festivities, according to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County.
First responders see over 200 injuries associated with fireworks nationwide in the days leading up to Independence Day, according to Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane.
“That doesn’t seem like a big number, but when you reflect upon the type of injuries that we see — these are injuries consistent with battlefield injuries, explosive injuries, loss of limbs. These situations are life-threatening,” Kane said.
Life-threatening, and unexpected.
“Fireworks are unpredictable. They can ignite before you expect them to. They can shoot out in directions you’re not anticipating,” according to Palm Beach County Fire Rescue officials.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office bomb squad on Monday detonated the M80s, a common explosive found in consumer-grade fireworks, to demonstrate the catastrophic effects.
“In a closed hand, when this firework detonates, it is completely catastrophic,” Kane said. “A loss of a hand is almost certain.”
First responders offer these tips to help keep yourself, and everyone around you, safe as you celebrate.
Injury is preventable; be smart
According to Florida law, the only days fireworks are allowed to be used without a permit are New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Independence Day.
Don’t become a statistic, fire-rescue officials advise; set off fireworks in a controlled environment and follow safety guidelines.
As suggested by Palm Beach Fire Rescue, only use fireworks labeled “emits showers of sparks” or “consumer fireworks” and avoid fireworks wrapped in brown paper packaging or products labeled “professional.”
Remember to light the fireworks on flat concrete, as grass burns easily. Wear pants and close-toed shoes to protect your skin. Keep unused fireworks far from the ignition area. When lighting a fuse, extend your arms far away from the body and keep your head away from the fireworks path. Place, point, and light fireworks away from people, pets, homes, and vehicles.
If it does not fully ignite, don’t touch or re-light — it may burn uncontrollably or explode. Instead, soak it with water.
To properly discard fireworks and prevent fires, soak them in water.
Don’t drink and detonate
Many injuries are caused by individuals who misuse fireworks or ignite them while impaired by alcohol, drugs or a lack of awareness. When drinking alcohol, reflexes are slowed, judgment is impaired and irrational decisions are common.
“Much like operating a vehicle, fireworks and alcohol don’t mix,” Kane said. “If you’re going to partake in drinking, please reconsider.”
Giving sparklers to children? Think again
Even sparklers, often given to children to wave around during celebrations, can burn up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — a temperature hot enough to melt metal and cause severe and permanent burns, according to Kane and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
Protect your pets
Every year, fireworks also cause injury to pets and animals. The animals not only get scared, but could also escape enclosures and suffer the consequences of misused explosives, including burns and scars.
“Protect your pets; keep them in a safe area and ensure that fields and stalls are hazard-free for larger animals,” Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office officials said.
To prevent injury, consider talking to a veterinarian about sedatives for horses and other pets.
Celebratory gunfire is illegal
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that firing a gun in the air is not only against the law, it’s extremely dangerous.
“Stray bullets can cause injury or be fatal.” Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said.
To report celebratory gunfire in your neighborhood, call 561-688-3400 or 911.
Ditch the DIY and see a show
As suggested by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, “Leave it to the pros — go see a show!”
Most cities offer night-sky displays and other holiday events, including hometown celebrations, parades and — new this year — drone shows in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Some cities plan to start the holiday early with events on Wednesday, and more on the Thursday holiday.
“Sitting in the audience is the safest place to be to stay injury-free,” Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said.