• In 2005, 10,800 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. More than half (54%) of 2005 fireworks injuries were burns.  Contusions and lacerations were second (29%), and were twice as common as burns when the injury was to any part of the head or face, including the eye.  Hands or fingers were the part of the body injured in 30% of the incidents.  In 24% of the cases, the eye was involved; other parts of the face or head accounted for 20% of the injuries.
• The highest risks of fireworks injury are to school-age children.  In 2005, nearly half of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.  The highest injury rate relative to population was for ages 10-14 with nearly 3 times the risk of the entire population.
• Males accounted for nearly 7 out of every 10 fireworks injuries.
• Based on the amount of time and quantities in use, fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. Although cigarettes are the leading cause of fire death, the risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is higher relative to the corresponding risk when cigarettes are burning.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Also be reminded that it is against the law to shoot off fireworks on public roadways or along State Highways.  Fireworks may be discharged only on private property outside the City limits with the permission of the owner.

Have a safe Fourth of July!

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT KICK OFF PARTY

The Midland Police Department is gearing up for the annual National Night Out.  An appreciation party and training for block captains will be held at Centennial Plaza on July 28, 2007, from 6-9:00 p.m. 

The event will help raise awareness about the upcoming National Night Out event scheduled for Tuesday, August 7, 2007.  Information will be provided to help residents host a successful block party.  It is on this evening that neighbors come together hosting potluck dinners and block parties throughout the City.

National Night Out is a nation-wide crime prevention activity designed to heighten crime prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations; and to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime.

It is not too late to host a block party, just contact the Midland Police Department at 685.7582.