Lutherville Man Preaches Fireworks Safety

Fireworks related injuries have decreased 90 percent over the last 15 years, just the way one Lutherville man likes it.

However, there were still 8,000 reported injuries in 2008, according the latest data, said Jack Leonard, vice president of the National Council of Fireworks Safety and Lutherville resident of 21 years.

“We want to get that lower,” he said.  

Leonard’s mission, within the council and its nationwide network of board members, is to promote safety through “common sense” tips when dealing with fireworks.

As the Fourth of July approaches, Leonard, 64, has been spreading the word to local media on simple steps to avoid a disastrous fireworks display.

• Adults should never let children use fireworks without close supervision.
• Anyone using or lighting a firework should be wearing safety glasses. “That would take care of most of the eye injuries related to fireworks. You wouldn’t use power tools without using safety glasses. Why wouldn’t you do it with fireworks? It’s such an easy step and a no-brainer.”
• Don’t mix alcohol and explosives. “If you’ve had a six pack on the Fourth of July, let somebody else do it.”
• Always keep a bucket of water or a hose handy.

Leonard's fireworks legacy dates back to the early 1900s. Family members on both his mother's and father's sides were involved in the business on the manufacturing and retail ends.

When speaking with Patch Tuesday afternoon, he recalled fond memories growing up, remembering spectacular light displays in the night sky. He took a walk down memory lane reminiscing   about a summer job he had when in school, lighting off fireworks for a professional company. 

In Maryland it is illegal for a non-professional to set off any fireworks that shoot  into the sky and explode, Leonard said.

In 2001, the state amended the law and now non-professionals are permitted to set off ground-based sparklers, such as fountains. 

Fireworks sales are expected to do well because of a national trend of relaxed fireworks laws, according to an article published by www.pr-inside.com. 

“States are starting to realize that ... back in the days when we passed the fireworks ban we (had) all kinds of products on the counter that were downright dangerous like the Cherry Bombs and M-80s," he said. "There was no governmental testing that is required now."

"As a result of the testing and the sensible regulations we’ve been able to decrease the injury rate substantially. In the meantime we’re opening more and more states—there are only four now (that) don’t sell some sort of fireworks,” he continued.

In 2001 the state fire marshall reported that there were 12 injuries related to fireworks in Maryland. In 2002, a year after the law was changed, the number was down to three, Leonard said. 

“Legalization has been a good thing for us," he said. "A lot of people are deciding to celebrate with legal products instead of going out of state to get bottle rockets and the firecrackers.” 

, an assisted living and retirement home community in the heart of Historic Lutherville, will host its annual fireworks show this Saturday.

The event is expected to attract more than 5,000 people. Leonard said he'll listen from his porch. 

“It’s just a fun thing to hear the noise and from a distance, hear the crowd cheering, and that’s what the Fourth of July is all about—excitement,” he said.

 “I’m free. Let’s wave a sparkler,” he added jokingly, insisting that parents should not hand their young children sparklers to play with.  

“You wouldn’t let a child light the barbecue grill, would you? It’s not sensible,” he said.

The College Manor firework festival begins at 6 p.m. with an outdoor big band performance by the Mood Swings. Fireworks will be begin at 9 p.m., weather permitting.

“We have a big front yard and we also thought there must be some great way to utilize it in some form or another and this is something that we can do for the residents and the community that other assisted living/ retirement homes can’t do,” said John Horine, president of College Manor, on the 16-year tradition. 

“It’s a win for everybody. It’s the biggest event that we put on each year. ... We are very much looking forward to it and it’s usually a lot of fun, weather permitting,” he added.