One of the biggest hazards around the Fourth of July is fireworks.
Fireworks can cause severe damage to persons and property if not used correctly by the right persons or in the right place. With fireworks being a popular display for the holiday's festivities, Syracuse Fire Chief Mickey Scott provided a few tips on safety.
"Fireworks always need to be used under adult supervision," Scott said. "It's state law."
By law, no one under the age of 18 is allowed to purchase fireworks or set them off, and anyone over the age of 18 is liable.
People need to be aware of their surroundings when using fireworks. They need to regard the safety and property of others, as well as the safety of themselves. If fireworks cause any property damage, the person held responsible will be the person who set the fireworks off, Scott said.
People need to be sure to aim fireworks in a clear direction, and to stand a significant distance away when they are being set off.
"One of our biggest concerns right now is grass fires," Scott said. The weather has been very dry and if there is no rain before the holiday, there is a much bigger safety precaution with fireworks causing grass fires.
Scott also advised increased safety awareness when using fireworks on the lakes. "You have to be very careful on boats because fuel tanks can ignite very quickly," he said.
Also, on the lake, it is very hazardous for sparks from the fireworks to fall down into a boat because most boats have indoor/outdoor carpet, some with a wood deck underneath that. "If a spark would catch that on fire, it's a real problem," Scott said.
Among other top safety precautions regarding the Fourth of July, many apply to the lakes which will be very crowded.
It is against state law to drink alcohol underage, or for anyone to operate a watercraft under the influence of alcohol, Scott said. "There will be a lot of boats on the water, and it could be a real problem if anyone is operating watercraft intoxicated."
Also, if someone is injured in the water, no one is supposed to pull them out. This can often cause severe spinal or neck injury that could be avoided if they are helped properly out of the water.
"Leave them there and call for help," he said. "I understand natural instinct is to simply pull an injured person out, but they can cause more injury that way."
