CARMEL — The holiday weekend kicks off today and the Carmel Fire Department wants to remind you to be careful while celebrating.
“This is a time that people really need to be careful. The first thing we always suggest is (to) go to the professional shows. Don't do them on your own because something can happen — and a lot of times it will,” Carmel Firefighter Tim Griffin said.
RELATED: Where to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July in Central Indiana
Griffin isn’t just talking about the big fireworks. He said most injuries the department sees come from sparklers.
“You give them to your kids, and they are 1500 degrees to 2000 degrees, so we're talking extremely hot. They can burn the skin really fast, and not to mention even after that for a long time they can (burn),” Griffin said.
Mortars that the professionals use are the most dangerous. Griffin said members of the public shouldn't use them.
“Anything can happen. This is soft tissue, and these are large explosions, so you need to be careful, be safe and go to the professional shows,” Griffin said.
Griffin said you should keep several things in mind if you decide to do fireworks:
- Make sure you have plenty of space between you and the fireworks
- Never let children handle fireworks
- Wear protective glasses
- Have a water source nearby
Here are more tips from the National Safety Council.
-
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza wins Davey O'Brien Award
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza has won the Davey O'Brien Award as the nation's top quarterback, the second of what could be three major honors in as many days.
Current and future first responders train at Emergency Services Education Center
The center equips current and future firefighters with the skills, confidence and leadership they need to save lives.
County-by-county: Saturday snowfall potential across Central Indiana
Another round of snow moves across Central Indiana again Saturday. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect 11am to midnight.
Indiana in national spotlight after redistricting fails in Senate
Indiana is in the national spotlight after lawmakers rejected a proposal backed by the president and GOP leaders to redraw congressional district maps mid-session.
