MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Independence Day is on Tuesday and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, along with several fire departments across Miami-Dade and Broward counties, shared tips to have a safe and happy holiday.
A fleet of law enforcement agents from the U.S. Coast Guard, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and FWC will be set to enforce the laws at sea, as the holiday celebration unfolds.
According to FWC, 735 boating incidents were reported in the state last year. Monroe County and Miami-Dade County topped the list with more than 180 incidents between the two counties. Officials said alcohol was the leading factor, along with an absence of life vests on boaters.
Fire departments reminded the community that although fireworks can be beautiful to marvel at, they can also be extremely dangerous. Officials said even small sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
“It can cause serious burns,” said MDFR Chief of Staff Erika Benitez. “This temperature is strong enough to melt certain metals. Imagine what it can do to children’s eyes and hands.”
Officials cautioned revelers to purchase fireworks from approved vendors and to refrain from lighting them in glass or metal containers. Firework enthusiasts are also advised to have a water hose or a bucket of water nearby.
For Omar Babun, setting off fireworks takes him right back to his childhood
“We used to buy them a whole lot; now we’re starting all over again with the little ones,” he said.
Now, with two kids of his own, Babun is continuing the fun.
Meanwhile, over on Mills Drive in Southwest Miami-Dade, a pop-up firework vendor, Phantom Fireworks, was inspected by Fai Yeung, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue official.
7News cameras showed Yeung as he checked each firework to make sure the items were properly certified to legal standards.
“They’re on a list which I am gonna go by. Even though they say flammable, they’re just gonna mean like smoke or flame, nothing more,” said Yeung.
Yeung also checked for any damaged or opened fireworks. Although safety measures are taken by officials before celebrations occur, mistakes happen when handling fireworks.
“We see an average of 11,000 injuries during this time, and so, we want to prevent that. Safety is really important for us,” said Benitez, “so, if you are doing fireworks at home, we recommend that you choose an area away from anything that can burn, make sure that the area is paved and that you keep your children and pets away.”
Former New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre Paul lost an index finger and part of his thumb in a firework incident near his home in Broward County back in 2015.
“I am alive. Now I look at fireworks, I think about safety,” said Paul.
An unauthorized sale of fireworks in Florida is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Ideally, officials would prefer it if people would leave the fireworks to the professionals, but those who would like to indulge in the firework magic would do well to observe these safety measures.
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