
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 3, 1990                   TAG: 9007030090
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: E-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Tammy Poole
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

THINK SAFETY WHEN USING FIREWORKS

If you're planning to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with a bang provided by fireworks, you should check with your local fire department to see what fireworks are permissible in your area.

In Roanoke city, for example, only ground-effect fireworks are allowed, according to David Rickman, deputy fire marshall for the city.

"These basically are fireworks that stay on the ground, such as whirligigs, sparklers, and serpents," Rickman said. "Firecrackers are illegal. Any airborne fireworks or bangers are illegal."

Under state law, fireworks may only be discharged on private property with permission of the owner. None are permitted on city streets or public property, Rickman said.

The laws governing fireworks are the same in Roanoke County, said county fire marshall Ken Sharp. "If you set off fireworks that damage someone else's property, you are liable," Sharp said.

The Federal Hazardous Substance Act banned fireworks containing more than 50 milligrams of powder. These include cherry bombs, aerial bombs, and M-80 salutes. It also prohibits mail-order kits for fireworks. The amount of powder in fireworks that can be legally sold to consumers is equal to .002 of an ounce - a tiny quantity indeed.

The act also required certain performance specifications on these fireworks. For example, their fuses must burn for at least three seconds but no longer than six seconds. All fireworks must carry a warning label, explaining necessary safety precautions to consumers.

In 1988, 10,200 victims of fireworks accidents were taken to hospital emergency rooms. Of those injured, 42 percent were under the age of 15. More than half of all fireworks injuries are burns, according to a release by the State Division of Consumer Affairs.

If you do use fireworks, the following precautions should be followed:

Read and follow all instructions on the label.

Use fireworks outside only, at a safe distance from houses, dry grass, and bushes.

Light only one firework at a time.

Spectators should be at a safe distance from the display.

Never light fireworks in glass or metal containers.

And finally, "Remember that we haven't had a lot of rain lately, and the ground is dry," Rickman said. "Exercise extreme caution while using fireworks around dry brush. Have some type of water hose or fire extinguisher available."

by CNB