Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Bottle rockets big danger for kids during the July 4 holiday season

Bottle Rockets are the most dangerous fireworks sold, and people need to be aware of fireworks safety this holiday season.

The Arkansas Health Department listed only one fireworks accident in the local area in the past four years requiring hospitalization, but this does not account for local doctors visits or clinics.

According to a recent report sent from the Arkansas Eye Injury Registry, in 2001 fireworks accounted for 33 percent of eye injuries in Arkansas with 77 percent caused by bottle rockets. The report stated 72 percent of these injuries were children 17 and under.

The bottle rocket, according to the report, "is dangerous because they fly erratically, frequently injuring bystanders, and the bottle or cans used to launch them can explode." This can cause glass or metal to fly in several directions injuring any bystanders that may be around.

According to the report, bottle rockets are the most frequent cause of eye injury requiring hospitalization. The report stated other types of fireworks are also harmful, such as sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold and can cause third degree burns if used improperly.

The Eye Injuries report stated, safety should be practiced because "Eyesight is too precious to throw away."

Another release sent by Arkansas State Fire Marshall, Lloyd Franklin, stated the Consumer Product Safety Commission conducts a special study each year focusing on fireworks injuries. The study found that in 1999 one third of fireworks injuries were from firecrackers, 10 percent which were illegal, and 20 percent were from bottle rockets.

The release requested that all businesses partner in the Volunteer Fireworks Safety Project. The project requests an agreement stating "that no bottle rockets will be sold to any person under the age of 18 years of age, unless accompanied by an adult."

Franklin said, in the report, "Through this collaborative effort we can reduce injuries and possible loss of life in our state."

If any person would like to join the agreement they should contact 501-618-8600. The partners will have their name placed on a plaque and exhibited during a press conference called Contract With Arkansas.

Arkansas State Fire Marshal

Fireworks Safety Tips

Wear Eye Protection;

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks;

Read and follow all warnings and instructions;

Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks;

Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials;

Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned; and

Keep a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or connected water hose in case of a malfunction or fire.