Alabama firefighter offers fireworks safety tips ahead of 4th of July holiday week

HOMEWOOD, Ala. ( WIAT ) — With the Fourth of July less than a week away, Perrin’s Fireworks Shed said it expects to be busy this weekend.

And depending on where you live in central Alabama, you may begin hearing the sounds of fireworks being set off.

Homewood Fire Department Battalion Chief Mark Shannon said residents are allowed to use items like sparklers and snaps.

While he believes the safest option is leaving the fireworks to the professionals, he offered advice to those who do plan to set off firework where it’s legal.

“You want to make sure that you’re away from houses, structures or anything that could potentially catch on fire,” Shannon said. “Make sure you wear eye protection, and you want to have a bucket of water, a hose or fire extinguisher nearby, so if your fireworks do start a fire, you have an easy way to put it out.”

While the sparklers are popular with young children, they’re not necessarily safe. Shannon said what makes sparklers so dangerous for young children is that they burn at around 2,000 degrees, and they remain hot even after they go out.

“Your number one injury that most ERs see is from burns, and then it goes to hand injuries and eye injuries,” Shannon said.

He said while it varies every year, they typically run a couple of calls that have to do with fireworks from fires or injuries. Shannon said it’s best to let the adult light and hold the sparklers around young children, and that glow sticks are a safer option.

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