LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Across the country, many people will celebrate this Independence Day by lighting and watching fireworks.
Experts warn, however, that fireworks can be dangerous - even deadly - if people don't follow proper safety guidelines.
Every Airmen at Langley is valuable to the mission. And if Airmen get injured by fireworks, the mission will suffer due to lost manpower.
In addition to the effect fireworks injuries could have on the mission, they would also have an effect on Langley families.
"You can't help but think of the family that suffers from the loss of a parent or the loss of a child due to the mishap," said Mr. Harry Dunn Jr., 1st Fighter Wing ground safety manager.
In 2004, 9,600 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. About a third of those were caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks.
Although fireworks of all types are prohibited on Langley, Airmen who chose to use fireworks off base should use the following safety guidelines from the CPSC and the National Council on Fireworks Safety to help prevent injuries:
* Always read and follow label directions.
* Have an adult present.
* Buy from reliable sellers.
* Use outdoors only.
* Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
* Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
* Light only one firework at a time.
* Never re-light a "dud" firework; wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
* Never give fireworks to small children.
* If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
* Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in a trash can.
* Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
* Never carry fireworks in pockets.
* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
* The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
* Stay away from illegal explosives.
Mr. Dunn, who's been here for 11 years, said there haven't been any fireworks-related mishaps throughout the past decade.
"Hopefully, we can continue that trend and get everyone back safely after the weekend," he said.
For more information on firework safety, visit the following Web sites:
Virginia fireworks laws
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission