How to celebrate America's birthday without ending up in the hospital
FORT LAUDERDALE - As South Florida families get ready to celebrate another 4th of July, concerns about celebration and safety are a top priority.
"It's important to light fireworks on a driveway or complete surface away from any dry grass or anything that can possibly burn," said Erika Benitez from Miami-Dade Fire as she underscores never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. "Remember to light one firework at a time and move away quickly to prevent injuries and burns," added Benitez.
Parents and teenagers seek safety when it comes to fireworks; yet there are differences too.
"I want to make sure it lasts a long time, but nothing real, simply a lot of noise a little of light work and just expect to last, otherwise they're going to say "it's too fast," said Leo Rodriguez, a South Florida parent who decided to go buy fireworks a day before the 4th.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Dominick Vanzetta said those his age look forward to the noise, "the big ones, of course. Every teenager loves a big boom," said Vanzetta, who said when it comes to respecting fireworks, he learned his lesson when he was 12.
"I remember getting burnt on my shorts when I was just lighting one off. It didn't go as planned, so… no, safety has to be involved," said Vanzetta.
The other aspect of safety relies on what's available to the public, Miami-Dade inspectors are checking different tents all over the county making sure acceptable fireworks are on sale.
"I check every product that they're selling, matching my list and is approved. If it's not approved, they are going to have to pull it out and stop selling that product," said Fai Yeung, a Miami-Dade Fireworks Inspector.
"And, illegal fireworks are the ones in the sky the ones that explode, the ones that you see in Disneyworld," said
Ryan Rodriguez, whose family has been in the business of selling fireworks for 20 years, said at his tent on S.W. 152nd Street, he only has legal fireworks.
"We sell fountains, things that stay on the floor up to six feet only," said Rodriguez, who prides himself on complying with inspections.
According to the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, last year there were 11 fireworks-related deaths in the nation, 5 of those were because of fireworks misuse in victims between the ages of 11 and 43.
