Firework safety guide

For many families fireworks are as much a part of fourth of July as the parades, picnicking and food.

However, many states have banned the personal use of fireworks. Individual states have different laws, California law prohibits the use of most personal fireworks making exception for a few types of personal fireworks.

However, the only advice for firework safety is don't do it.

This phrase deserves repeating "don't do it". Fireworks are dangerous.

Why? Fireworks pose the obvious fire hazard which has tremendous cost related to fire damages and the unaccounted environmental cost. Injuries related to firework usage top the list of problems. The national council on firework safety reports that the Consumer Product and Safety Commission estimates that 9,600 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2004. The National Council also estimates that approximately 30% of these injuries occur with illegal or homemade fireworks.

And who suffers the most injuries from these fireworks? The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that in past years over 45 % of injuries occur in children under 15 years. These kids suffer with burns to the eyes, hands and face.

Many adults remember growing up using sparklers with fond memories. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that over 2/3 of sparkler injuries were to kids under 5 years. Most parents don't realize that the sparklers can reach temperatures of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit at the tip and can cause deep burns. Many parents think it is okay to use fireworks labeled "safe". It is important to remember that every type of consumer firework has been associated with serious injury or death.

So what is safe?

Watch a free firework show.

Here are some options in and around San Francisco:

1.) Fisherman's Wharf

2.) Berkeley Marina

3.) Concord Downtown

4.) All other Bay Area