MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. - -- As Marine Corps families prepare to celebrate America’s independence on the Fourth of July, Marine Corps Base Quantico Fire Department officials urge families to consider the law and safety when using fireworks.
Residents should find out what’s legal in their area, Steve Houchin, assistant chief, MCB Quantico Fire Department said. In addition to state laws, cities and counties often have regulations on what is permissible within their jurisdictions, he added.
Aboard Quantico, according to Marine Corps Base Order P11320, regulations for fireworks are the same as Virginia law, which prohibits all fireworks except sparklers, fountains, caps for pistols, or pinwheels, commonly known as whirligigs or spinning Jennies. However, base housing residents should be aware that Lincoln Military Housing prohibits all fireworks use in their six communities, Oscar Almond, head of Quantico's Family Housing Branch said.
Making sure fireworks are legal is only half the battle when it comes to safety, because lawful doesn’t necessarily indicate risk-free. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 90 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries in the U.S. involve fireworks that are legal to use. Seemingly innocent sparklers can burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. Although these firecrackers are popular among children, Houchin said sparklers can also be dangerous if unsupervised.
“Make sure there is always adult supervision [with fireworks and children] because anytime you have a moving flame and people around, it can pose a risk for danger,” Houchin said.
Another safety “don’t” on the Fourth of July is using alcohol while operating fireworks.
“Adults who have alcoholic beverages tend to think they can do more than what they’re capable of and may start experimenting outside of the intent of a product,” Houchin said. “I’ve seen a lot of people [who were inebriated] do dumb things with firecrackers like, try to blow stuff up or combine a whole bunch of firecrackers together to get a bigger explosion.”
The thrill of amateur fireworks use can be exciting, but misuse can also result in hundreds of injuries, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study that found, “[Each year], 200 people, on average, go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.”
While Quantico will not host a fireworks performance this year, for those who will enjoy patriotic illuminations off-base, the goal is to celebrate independence but exercise discretion and a little common sense.
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Staff Writer: afelton@quanticosentryonline.com