Immediate Release
July 3, 2009
Batavia, Ohio. “Make sure this is a bang up holiday weekend and not one where you are banged up or burned,” said Clermont County Sheriff A.J. “Tim” Rodenberg. “The best way to ensure you and your family avoid fireworks related injuries is to attend a licensed, professional exhibit this Fourth of July weekend.” The National Fire Protection Association reports that every year, around 10,000 people across the United States suffer injuries linked to fireworks; the highest injury rate reported among children between the ages of 5 and14. Fireworks spark over 30,000 fires each year and cause $34 million in direct property damage.
“While sparklers are legal in Ohio, children should not handle them without adult supervision,” said Sheriff Rodenberg. “Sparklers can get as hot as 1,800 degrees and can cause serious burns; light only one sparkler at a time and keep it away from the body.” After use, sparklers should immediately be placed in a bucket of water; they remain very hot for several minutes after burnout.
Sheriff Rodenberg says his office receives numerous calls about fireworks displays in neighborhoods each year. Under Ohio law, the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks is a first degree misdemeanor. If prosecuted, first time offenders could face up to $1,000 in fines and up to six months behind bars.
“The bottom line is all fireworks are potentially dangerous and are best left up to experts to discharge,” added the Sheriff.
#
For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.