PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For St. Louisians, the Fourth of July is a celebration of Independence Day with Fair St. Louis, backyard barbecues and much more. However, for some, Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In 2008, more than 31,000 firework related fires were reported on July 4, representing the single day with the most fires. In addition to fires, there were over 7,000 firework related injuries, including 7 deaths. Because fireworks related fires and injuries are preventable, PREA Signature Realty wanted to pass on the following information and tips for safe and happy holiday.
ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN ST. LOUIS CITY?
In the State of Missouri, fireworks may be purchased by anyone over the age of 14 years old between June 20 and July 10 and December 10 and January 2. However, the use of fireworks is often prohibited by city or county ordinance. In the City of St. Louis, Ordinance 65824 broadly prohibits the use, sale or discharge of fireworks as follows: "No person or entity shall possess, store, sell, expose, post for sale, transfer to another, use, explode, discharge, set off, or burn fireworks of any kind or description within the limits of the City of St. Louis."
WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR FIREWORK RELATED INJURIES?
In 2008, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 7,000 people for fireworks-related injuries. 70% of these injuries occurred between June 20 - July 20. Of these:
- * 46% of injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head.
- * 56% were burns, while 21% were contusions and lacerations.
- * 40% of people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
- * 62% of injuries were to males; 38% were to females.
- * 40% of injuries were related to sparklers (which burn at 1200 degrees), fountains, roman candles, & novelties.
- * 18% of injuries were related to firecrackers caused 18% of injuries.
HOW DO MOST FIREWORK RELATED INJURIES OCCUR?
- Availability: In spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to the public. Distributors often sell fireworks near state borders, where laws prohibiting sales on either side of the border may differ.
- Fireworks type: Among the various types of fireworks, some of which are sold legally in some states, bottle rockets can fly into peoples' faces and cause eye injuries; sparklers can ignite clothing (sparklers burn at more than 1,000°F); and firecrackers can injure the hands or face if they explode at close range.
- Being too close: Injuries may result from being too close to fireworks when they explode; for example, when someone leans over to look more closely at a firework that has been ignited, or when a misguided bottle rocket hits a nearby person.
- Lack of physical coordination: Younger children often lack the physical coordination to handle fireworks safely.
- Curiosity: Children are often excited and curious around fireworks, which can increase their chances of being injured (for example, when they re-examine a firecracker dud that initially fails to ignite).
- Experimentation: Homemade fireworks (for example, ones made of the powder from several firecrackers) can lead to dangerous and unpredictable explosions.
FIREWORK SAFETY TIPS
If you are going to use fireworks, here are some safety tips:
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* Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from onlookers, houses and flammable materials.
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* Do not point or direct a firework towards another person.
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Light one device at a time; maintain a safe distance after lighting.
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* Do not allow any running or horseplay while fireworks are being used.
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Never ignite devices in a container.
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* Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks; douse and soak them with water and discard them safely.
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* Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
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* Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision.
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ABOUT PREA SIGNATURE REALTY
PREA SIGNATURE REALTY is a full service real estate brokerage and consulting firm owned by St. Louis attorney Michelle Silies and Ryan Shaughnessy specializing in the rental and sale of homes,townhouses, condominiums and lofts in Lafayette Square and the other historic neighborhoods of the City of St. Louis, Missouri.
Great Downtown and Arch views still available at the Georgian located at 1515 Lafayette and Eden Lofts located at 1720 Chouteau. This year visit Fair St. Louis... Next year, enjoy the fireworks with friends and family at you new condo or loft in Lafyatte Square.
For more information, contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com. Or, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com.
HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY - HAPPY 4TH OF JULY
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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY
PREA Signature Realty is a full service brokerage located at 1709 Park Avenue in the Lafayette Square neighborhood of the City of St. Louis. PREA Signature proudly serves the following city neighborhoods: Lafayette Square, Soulard, Benton Park, Benton Park West, Downtown Loft District, Forest Park Southwest, Central West End, Tower Grove East, Tower Grove South, Compton Heights, Shaw, The Hill, Dogtown, Carondelet, Holly Hills, St. Louis Hills, Dutchtown, and the Other Historic Neighborhoods of the City of Saint Louis, Missouri.
The opinions expressed herein represent the opinions of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of PREA Signature Realty. All photos and written content were produced by PREA Signature Realty. All Rights Reserved - PREA Signature Realty (2009). This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain re-blogging, without express written permission of PREA Signature Realty.
For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.
