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Connecticuters Encouraged To Let Their Patriotism Shine This Independence Day
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Connecticuters Encouraged To Let Their Patriotism Shine This Independence Day
With Sparkler Safety Tips
Nation's leading fireworks distributor encourages Connecticuters to celebrate safely
Bristol, Conn. (June 29, 2009) – As Connecticuters get into the swing of summer, experts urge consumers to add safety to their list of party provisions when planning an Independence Day celebration.
"Fourth of July is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, and sparklers are a popular American tradition that makes the festivities brighter," says Tommy Glasgow, president of TNT ® Fireworks, the largest distributor of consumer sparklers in the United States . "As more Connecticuters look for ways to have affordable, and memorable, celebrations at home, TNT encourages sparkler safety for a safe and sane Fourth of July."
Nationally, fireworks consumption increased 915 percent between 1976 and 2007 (29.0 million pounds versus 265.5 million pounds respectively), while fireworks-related injuries decreased dramatically from 38.3 injuries to 3.7 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks during that same time period, according to the most recent data available from the American Pyrotechnics Association.
John Conkling, a nationally renowned fireworks expert and spokesman for the American Pyrotechnics Association, attributes the steep decline in injuries over the years to the fireworks industry's consumer safety and education initiatives during the last three decades.
Despite the decline in injuries, however, Conkling says consumers should resolve to use only devices permitted by state law while adhering to safety warnings and instructions that appear on product packaging.
"For decades, sparklers have enhanced countless celebrations. To continue the downward trend in fireworks-related injuries, though, consumers must prioritize safety and have a general understanding of how these devices function," Conkling says. "Following a few simple guidelines – such as only using sparklers outdoors in clear areas away from buildings and dry grass and always keeping a bucket of water on hand for emergencies – will help people stay safe."
While consumers consider which products will add the most sparkle to their Fourth of July celebrations, Conkling recommends they check the credibility of the distributor to make sure its products are reliable and come from a credible source.
"Not all sparklers are the same," Conkling says, "and consumers should purchase only legal products that are distributed by a trusted, established company, like TNT Fireworks, that puts people and safety above all else."
TNT sparklers will be available through July 4 at numerous major retailers, as well as stand and tent sparkler sale locations throughout Connecticut . For more safety information, or to find a location where TNT products are sold in Connecticut , visit www.TNTFireworks.com.
ABOUT TNT FIREWORKS
TNT ® Fireworks (TNT) is the nation's largest distributor of consumer sparklers. For more than 50 years, TNT has set the benchmark for safety, customer satisfaction, innovation and quality in the fireworks industry. For more information about TNT Fireworks, visit www.tntfireworks.com.
ABOUT THE AMERICAN PYROTECHNICS ASSOCIATION
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and suppliers of fireworks. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, history of fireworks, state laws, and safety tips can be found on APA's website at www.americanpyro.com .