Dade County To Conduct Fireworks Sweep The Week
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Fourth of July conjures images of barbecues, John Phillip Sousa music and, of course, fireworks.
While cities sponsor professional fireworks shows, many people like the DIY approach in front of their homes.
In an effort to keep Dade residents safe, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) plan to conduct a countywide fireworks inspection sweep this Thursday, July 2nd. Inspectors will visit fireworks tents to ensure that vendors are properly licensed by the state and are only selling legal fireworks.
"We recommend that residents of Miami-Dade County attend a professional show," said MDFR Fire Marshal Alan Cominsky. "Even a sparkler that looks harmless can be a hazard if used improperly."
An estimated 11,400 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks related injuries in 2013, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fifty five percent of 2014 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38 percent were to the head.
The risk for injuries was highest for children ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14 years of age.
On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
