The Iowa City Fire Department wants to remind citizens that, while fireworks are a time-honored part of Independence Day celebrations, people and property are negatively impacted each year by their careless use.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2007, hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries:
• 56% of the injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head
• 49% of the injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions and lacerations
• 42% of those injured were under the age of 15; the risk of injury for children aged 5-9 or 10-14 was two-and-a-half times as for the general population
• Sparklers, fountains, and novelties accounted for 36% of fireworks injuries.
In 2006, the NFPA reports fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 fires, including 1,700 structure fires and 600 vehicle fires. These fires resulted in 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage. More fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires.
The Iowa City Fire Department reminds residents that public fireworks displays are the safest alternative to view fireworks. Professionally produced public displays are established under a controlled setting, subject to safety regulations, and monitored by public safety personnel. Iowa City will hold such a display on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Again this year, the launching of the fireworks will be from Hubbard Park near the Iowa Memorial Union. The show begins at dusk and will be visible from the downtown area.
The Fourth of July can be an exciting and fun holiday; please make safety a priority.
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