City warns of firework safety hazards

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Public officials are worried fireworks will cause more harm than good on Fourth of July weekend.

A report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows seven fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 7,000 hospital emergency-room injuries treated in 2008. In 2007, CPSC received reports of eleven deaths and an estimated 9,800 injuries.

Hershel Lee, the Travis County Fire Marshal, stresses the importance of safety in continuing to reduce these numbers in 2009.

Sparklers are often considered safe for small children, but in 2006, sparklers accounted for one-third of the injuries to children younger than 4 years old. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees.

Officials ask residents to leave fireworks to the professionals.

Listing of local firework shows:

• H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

This is the largest Fourth of July event in Austin. Held at Auditorium Shores at The Long Center, more than 100,000 Austinites will attend. The Austin Symphony will perform patriotic music, including the 1812 Overture, which will feature the shooting of cannons by the Texas National Guard Salute Battery. Fireworks will be shot over Lady Bird Lake. The orchestra will begin playing at 8:30 p.m. and fireworks start at 9:30 p.m., lasting through 10 p.m. Organizers encourage people to arrive early to grab a good spot. The event is free and open to the public. Please note that alcohol and glass containers are not permitted, but concessions will be sold.

• Volente Beach 4th of July Fireworks

Volente Beach Waterpark , which is on Lake Travis, offers another wonderful way to celebrate July 4th in Austin. There will be live music and a firework show that starts at dusk. The event is free to guests who purchased park admission prior to 8 p.m., and costs $5 for guests entering the park after it starts.

• July 4th Celebration in Lakeway

The City of Lakeway , has its own Independence Day celebration. At 8:30 a.m., there will be a Fourth of July parade down Lakeway Drive. The Pageant at the Lakeway Activity Center for the Grand Marshal Speech begins at 10:30 a.m. Starting at 6 p.m., attendees will enjoy food, live entertainment, and fireworks. The events will end at 10:00 p.m.

• Carlos 'N Charlie's Fireworks Extravaganza

The infamous restaurant and bar on Lake Travis hosts its annual Fourth of July party, though it is on July 3. The details are to come, but you can expect live music and an incredible fireworks show.