Spring Break
Firework safety urged over this holiday weekend
The state has strict regulations for the use of fireworks, enforcement taken seriously
Gail Cole
Issue date: 7/2/08 Section: News
In addition to urging the public to follow local laws, the National Council said that all fireworks should be lit outside, and the shooter should wear safety goggles. The Council also recommends having either a hose or a bucket of water in the area where fireworks are being lit.
If a group is drinking alcohol at a Fourth of July celebration, the National Council also recommends having one adult refrain from drinking to be the "designated shooter" of fireworks.
The National Council said that sparklers should be used by those age 12 and older. Patton agreed with this, and said that sparklers are dangerous because they can reach over 300 degrees.
"You can start a fire with the most innocent sparkler," he said.
Luckily, most students are aware of the danger of fireworks.
"I always have a bucket full of water," said Matt Blackburn, a junior in construction engineering management. "I make sure there's one person lighting. I always make sure that we're in an area where we can't cause forest fires."
Patton suggested that for safety reasons adults should purchase all fireworks for anyone under 18 years old and monitor their use.
Patton says that most fireworks are imported and often do not go through the same safety inspections as American-made products, making them unpredictable even when legal and launched under safe circumstances.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Oregon State has no specific rules regarding fireworks use on campus, and that the laws that apply to fireworks use in the state will apply to use on campus.
If a group is drinking alcohol at a Fourth of July celebration, the National Council also recommends having one adult refrain from drinking to be the "designated shooter" of fireworks.
The National Council said that sparklers should be used by those age 12 and older. Patton agreed with this, and said that sparklers are dangerous because they can reach over 300 degrees.
"You can start a fire with the most innocent sparkler," he said.
Luckily, most students are aware of the danger of fireworks.
"I always have a bucket full of water," said Matt Blackburn, a junior in construction engineering management. "I make sure there's one person lighting. I always make sure that we're in an area where we can't cause forest fires."
Patton suggested that for safety reasons adults should purchase all fireworks for anyone under 18 years old and monitor their use.
Patton says that most fireworks are imported and often do not go through the same safety inspections as American-made products, making them unpredictable even when legal and launched under safe circumstances.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Oregon State has no specific rules regarding fireworks use on campus, and that the laws that apply to fireworks use in the state will apply to use on campus.
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