Arts & Entertainment

"5 Things You Need to Know About..." BOE Meetings, National Fireworks Safety Month, and Local Fireworks

Here's five local highlights to help get your week started.

1. The Board of Education will meet Monday to, among other things, hear an update on the plan to implement uniforms for the next school years at Illing Middle School. 

2. will meet Monday evening in the Howroyd Room of the Mary Cheney Library at 7 p.m. to discuss Ivan Doig's “The Whistling Season,” a coming-of-age story set in Montana in the early 1990s. 

3.Perhaps as a forewarning to the festivties that take place on or around the Fourth of July nationwide, June has been designated as Fireworks Safety Month. Although fireworks are a fun and exciting way to celebrate our nation’s freedom, they can be harmful, or even deadly, if not used properly. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2010 more than 18,700 fireworks-related injuries were treated in doctor’s offices, clinics, hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and emergency rooms, and approximately 9,000 of those injuries were children under 18. Most of these injuries were reported to be to the hands, fingers and eyes. 
 
Keep in mind that, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Safety, all fireworks (with the exception of sparklers) are illegal in Connecticut and may not be sold, purchased or used, with the exception of regulated fireworks displays by state licensed, professional pyrothechnicians at sites which have been approved by state and local officials. Click here for a diagram of what is considered legal and illegal in Connecticut. This link also provides information by state.
 
4. Even while using legal fireworks, there are some safety precautions that should be observed. Chris Ayres of the U.S. Army Public Health Command offers these tips:

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  • 1. Never use fireworks in your home. Always set them off outside on a driveway or sidewalk.
  • 2. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
  • 3. Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
  • 4. Be aware of other people around you, and make sure they are out of range of the firework you are using.
  • 5. Never point or shoot fireworks at another person.
  • 6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
  • 7. Do not try to re-ignite a “dud,” as it could explode near your hands or face.
  • 8. Only light one at a time.
  • 9. Do not try to make your own fireworks.
  • 10. Never drink and use fireworks at the same time.

5. If you decide to play it safe and celebrate the season by attending a fireworks display in your hometown or nearby, WTNH News Channel 8 has compiled a list of all the state’s major displays. Also check Patch.com’s Events Calendar for local festivities. 


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