Lakeville Fire Department Talks Sparkler Safety

More than 50 percent of sparkler related injuries happen to children under the age of 14. Parents need to safely supervise the activities of children when sparklers are present. While they appeal to children of all ages, sparklers are not toys. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of about 2,000°F. This is hot enough to melt some metals and cause third degree burns.

• Always read and follow instructions.
• Always have an adult present.
• Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
• Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Light only one sparkler at a time.
• Do not point or throw sparklers at another person.
• Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
• When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.

By the Numbers:

From June 19, 2011 to June 26, 2011 the Lakeville Fire Department responded to 18 calls for service including two medical calls, one vehicle accident for general cleanup, six false alarms, five carbon monoxide incidents, one with CO), and four good intent calls.