DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — — Joe McLaughlin has mixed feelings about fireworks.

"Fireworks can be dangerous, but I'm not against fireworks," McLaughlin said. The local teacher still recalls well one of the city's largest residential fires five years ago. It was believed that the fire on Kenwood Avenue, destroying two homes, four garages and six cars, was caused by illegal use of fireworks by several teenagers in the neighborhood.

Perhaps McLaughlin's attitude reflects many local people's view: they enjoy the splendor brought by fireworks, yet concerns linger when it comes to safety and other possible consequences due to improper and illegal handling of fireworks.

"For the past 10 years we have typically had 10-15 firework injuries around the Fourth of July," said Cindy Asher, clinical nurse specialist of the Children's Medical Center of Dayton. The hospital normally treats about 150 in-patient burns as well as another out-patient burns every year, according to Asher.

Nationally, about 9,600 people were treated in hospital for fireworks-related injuries in 2004, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Over half of the injuries were burns and about half of the victims were younger than 15.

Ohio's law concerning personal use of fireworks is among the country's toughest. The only legal fireworks in the state are sparklers and other novelty items. Residents who buy anything else are required to sign an agreement to take the fireworks out of state within 48 hours.

"We take seriously any information or investigation about the use of possession of illegal fireworks," said Shane Cartmill, public information officer of the Division of State Fire Marshal under the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Still, it's not rare to see that some local residents purchase and discharge fireworks in an unlawful manner.

"It is important to let the professionals handle fireworks," Asher said.

If individuals display fireworks at home, it is essential that spectators stand back and that small children should not be anywhere in the vicinity where the fireworks are lit, she said.

And with the drought conditions this summer, it is even more important to be careful when using fireworks or sparklers as it could be easy to ignite dry grass, Asher said.

Fireworks safety

Observe local laws regarding fireworks.

Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.

Children younger than 16 should only use fireworks with adult supervision.

Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, nearby.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Don't try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.

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

Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.

Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.

Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.

Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.

Source: Consumer Product Safety Commission & National Council on Fireworks Safety