'Fire' up for 2009 safely Published Dec. 24, 2008 By Fire Prevention Office 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron SPANGDAHLEM, Germany -- New Year's is just around the corner and in Germany, Nuejahr or New Year, is celebrated just like everywhere else in the world; everyone bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new one hugging, kissing and wishing each other Happy New Years. Eating big dinners, splashing champagne and lighting fireworks are some of the things Germans usually do to celebrate the new year. The 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight encoourages everyone to take some safety precautions before setting off fireworks. In Germany there are not as many laws that limit the use of fireworks as there are in America. Every year a celebration is ruined when careless and inappropriate use of fireworks results in injury. According to the US Consumer Products Safety Commission 8500 people in the U.S. are treated each year for injuries related to fireworks. Seven out of every 100 people injured from fireworks have to be hospitalized. The estimated annual cost of fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. is $100 million. With that in mind, here is a list of safety precautions to take when welcoming 2009. No fireworks are allowed at any time on Spangdahlem Air Base or Bitburg Annex. Do not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol. -Do not let children under 14 years old use fireworks and supervise older children. -Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers; read and follow all the warnings and instructions. -Use fireworks outdoors only; keep them away from houses and flammable materials. -Have a bucket of water nearby. -Do NOT try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and throw them away. -Be sure other people are a safe distance away before lighting fireworks. -Never ignite fireworks in a container -- especially glass or metal. -Store fireworks in a cool, dry place according to their specific storage instructions. -Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. -Do not wear loose clothing near a fire or while using fireworks. -Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher and not a bottle. -Sparklers need to be handled carefully as they burn at more than 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Light them one at a time at arm's length. -Always wear gloves while holding a sparkler, and never give one to a child less than 5 years of age. -Educate children of all ages about the dangers of fireworks and teach them to practice safety at all times.