DAVIE, FLA. (WSVN) - South Florida authorities want everyone to have fun this Fourth of July weekend, but most importantly, they want everyone to do so safely.
It is for this reason that each year, the Broward Sheriff’s Office and the Broward Fire Academy in Davie put together an “explosive” warning about the dangers of playing with fireworks.
The controlled presentation, Tuesday, included exploding watermelons and mannequins. It is designed to demonstrate how this exciting American activity can go horribly wrong if handled improperly. “Two things: safety and common sense,” said BSO Public Information Officer Mike Jachles. “Keep those things in mind.”
Serious and even fatal injuries can occur if people do not take proper precautions when handling fireworks, or if people purchase and use illegal fireworks (if your firework explodes or goes into the air, then your firework is not legal in the State of Florida). “Without fail, somebody somewhere is going to either injure themselves, or there’s going to be a fire,” said Jachles.
Maybe one of the most memorable injuries occurred in Coral Springs last year when NFL player Jason Pierre-Paul was badly injured in a fireworks accident, costing him millions of dollars and time on the playing field. When he did return, his injured hand was covered in a massive wrap.
“There are no legal consumer fireworks,” said Jachles. “What are legal are sparklers, but even sparklers can cause serious burns and injuries. They can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s pretty hot.”
Authorities advise families to simply attend one of the many professional fireworks displays throughout South Florida, instead.
For fun alternatives, visit our 4th of July events page: Fun 4th of July events in South Florida.
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