Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show. It is important to know that fireworks are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.

• More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually
• Burns account for 44% of the 9,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms seen in the
  month around July 4
• Half of the fireworks injuries seen at emergency rooms were extremities: hand, finger, or leg. One-third were to the eye or other parts of the head.
• Children ages 10–14 had the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than one-third (36%) of the victims of fireworks injuries under age 15
• Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries. Sparklers burn at 1,200-degrees. Wood burns at 575-degrees and glass melts at 900-degrees.

Here are some places you can view fireworks safely in Walker County:

• Friday, June 30 – Freedom Festival in Lafayette. The event begins with music, activities and vendors at 5:00 p.m. at the Ross Abney Complex behind the old high school. The fireworks show starts around 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1 – Freedom Fest in Flintstone. The event begins with music, games, bounce houses and food at 5:00 p.m. at the Chattanooga Valley Church of the Nazarene, 2853 Chattanooga Valley Road. The fireworks show starts after dark.
• Saturday, July 1 – Independence Day Celebration in Chickamauga. Come for music, food, mechanical bull rides, and a rock climbing wall at noon, stay for fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 1 – Independence Day at McLemore. Fireworks, food, music and a scavenger hunt. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. with fireworks scheduled for 8:45 p.m. RSVP at events@mclemoreclub.com.

Here are a few ideas to get into the patriotic spirit, without fireworks:

1. Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler. Fun for
   all ages.
   2. Loud and proud. Noise makers are sure to make a statement. They can be found at local
   party supply stores or make your own.
   3. Outdoor movie night. Set up a screen and projector. Don’t forget the bugspray!
   4. Red, white and blue silly string…fun for all ages.
   5. Make a patriotic craft with the family.
   6. Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.

Statistics and information provided by the National Fire Protection Association.