Be Safe This Independence Day!

Now, I know that the freedom to purchase fireworks of dubious quality and light off those fireworks in nearly any manner you choose is as American as processed cheese.  However, much like ingesting processed cheese, this pastime has its inherent risks. 

From the National Fire Prevention Association Website:

Facts & figures 

• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• In 2011, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 61% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-19, and adults 25-44, in an atypical year of a very comparable risk across much of the population.
• 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.

Please be safe this 4th of July and use common sense and caution when lighting fireworks.