Safety of fireworks and food comes first on the Fourth
The Fourth of July holiday on Monday has prompted local authorities to urge residents planning a picnic or setting off fireworks to practice safety.
Hagerstown Fire Marshal Doug DeHaven warns that fireworks that fly, shoot or explode are illegal in Maryland, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, smoke bombs, Roman candles and black cats.
"Only ground-based sparkers are permitted in the state of Maryland, and the city of Hagerstown is no different," DeHaven said Thursday as he demonstrated the use of legal fireworks in the parking lot of the Hagerstown Fire Department.
"Ground-based fireworks can be identified with the markings on the package or the label," he said.
DeHaven said the only exceptions are fireworks at public events, which come with permits and regulations.
He said five properties in Hagerstown were damaged last year as a result of people using illegal fireworks. There were no injuries.
DeHaven said people caught with illegal fireworks can face fines starting at $250 per item.
"We are strictly enforcing that," he said. "I'd rather see you use the $250 for your fun and excitement, not bringing illegal stuff back into the state."
DeHaven said the intention is not to limit people's fun.
"There are significant safety concerns associated with the use of illegal fireworks," he said.
The concern is with people who bring illegal fireworks into Maryland, DeHaven said.
"We encourage you to buy products from Maryland," he said.
He offered the following safety tips:
• Read all labels before igniting ground-based sparkers.
• Adults should supervise all sparkler activities.
• Do not allow small children to use fireworks.
• Avoid alcohol when igniting sparklers.
• Always have a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
• Dispose of used ground-based sparklers by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from buildings or combustible materials.
The Fourth of July also means eating outdoors, which means food safety is a must, according Sue M. Flanagan, extension agent with the West Virginia University Berkeley County Extension Office.
"Picnics and barbecues with family and friends are a huge part of summer fun," Flanagan said in an emailed news release. "Make sure they stay fun by remembering that food-borne bacteria can multiply rapidly in summer temperatures."
Flanagan offered the following food safety tips:
• Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables under running tap water before packing in a cooler.
• Keep all utensils and platters clean when preparing food.
• Package beverages in one cooler and perishable foods in another.
• Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood.
• Once served, cold food should not sit out for longer than two hours or one hour if the temperatures are above 90 degrees.
• After everyone has eaten, place all leftovers in coolers.
Flanagan also has tips for one of those signature summer favorites.
"Deviled eggs should be refrigerated as soon as you prepare them, and keep them cold until they're served," she said. "Nestle them in ice to keep them cool during serving. In fact, surround any cold foods, such as potato salad, with ice to help maintain a safe temperature."