Jul. 4--Fireworks have become symbolic of July Fourth, but the sparkling beauty they provide while lighting up the night sky shouldn't blindside the safety element involved.

"On Fourth of July, we always worry about fireworks, even though North Carolina has some of the strongest laws in regards to fireworks safety," Kinston Fire Department Captain David Ricky said.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported seven fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 7,000 hospital emergency room treated injuries during 2008.

William Jones, an employee at TNT Fireworks in front of Wal-Mart, said that some fireworks are now engineered to be safer.

"People used to get burnt with the metal (sparklers), so now there are wooden ones and you are less likely to get burnt," he said. "They've updated the smokeball too; instead of having to light them, we have pull-string smokeballs."

Jones also said that TNT only sells fireworks that are legal in North Carolina.

"You can light it off anytime of the year, anytime of the day and you won't get in trouble, he said. "They're called 'safe and sane' fireworks; nothing we sell flies in the air, moves on the ground or explodes, everything is just a lights and sounds show."

Don Loomis, a teacher at East Duplin High School who works for TNT Fireworks during the season, said some people come out searching for fireworks that explode.

"We don't sell anything that explodes in the sky because that's a state law," he said. "A lot of people go out of state and bring them then."

Jackie Rhem and Buddy Wyche were shopping for fireworks for children in their family to enjoy on July Fourth. They were looking at pop-its and sparklers.

"We don't want anything too powerful, just something that lights up," Rhem said.

Ricky said although some fireworks might seem safer for children, adults should never let them play with or ignite fireworks.

"Even something as simple as a sparkler burns at extremely high temperatures and can cause some severe burns," he said.

According to Ricky, it's a good idea to keep a bucket of water or a water hose handy since fireworks can get hot.

If things get out of hand, Ricky said not to hesitate in "calling 911 so that we can get there on the scene and assist."

"My recommendation is to leave the fireworks to the professional people and just enjoy the show," Ricky said. "I would hate for someone's holiday to be ruined due to an incident involving fireworks."

Sarah Campbell can be reached at (252) 559-1076 or scampbell@freedomenc.com.

Fireworks safety tips

Observe local laws

Have a bucket of water or a water hose handy in case fireworks get too hot

Follow the instructions and warnings on the fireworks

Never let children play with or ignite fireworks

Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat, dry surface away from any buildings

Never shoot fireworks at or near other people

If a firework doesn't go off, never attempt to relight it, just douse in water and throw away

Don't experiment with homemade fireworks

Source: Fire Captain David Ricky of the Kinston Fire Department

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