06/27/2007

Enjoy The Fourth Of July Responsibly: Just Say No To Playing With Fireworks
Fireworks are as much a part of the Fourth of July as turkey is to Thanksgiving. But a safe and spectacular fireworks show is best appreciated at public events like the extravaganza planned at Liberty State Park on July 4.

Playing with fireworks is dangerous and can result in injury and even death, said Dr. Neal Shipley, director of emergency medicine at the Jersey City Medical Center.

"Children and adults who play with fireworks are putting themselves at risk of receiving third-degree burns and eye injuries," Shipley said. "Fireworks are not toys. Leave them to the professionals."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, four people died from fireworks-related injuries in 2005, and 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms. Almost half of those injured were children under the age of 15.

Fireworks in the hands of amateurs are illegal in the state of New Jersey even if legally purchased in another state.

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