New Orleans fire officials offer safety tips ahead of Fourth of July [Video]

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — With the Fourth of July holiday two days away, the New Orleans Fire Department is offering tips for residents to stay safe while enjoying fireworks and cooking.

NOFD officials said fireworks cause about three deaths and 40 civilian injuries each year, and there has been an increase in people using fireworks in a way that increases the chance of serious injury across the nation.

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Fire officials said, “U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for firework related injuries” in 2018. Of the 9,100 people treated, about 36% were children under the age of 15.

According to the NOFD, consumer fireworks are illegal in Orleans Parish.

“Knowing the harm inflicted by fireworks each year, particularly on young people, NOFD is encouraging families to leave all fireworks to the professionals. Individuals and families should attend …