Take precautions with fireworks

Fireworks are fun and exciting but they are also dangerous and should always be handled with care.

Just like drinking and driving, alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. If alcohol is going to be consumed at a fireworks activity, a designated shooter should be appointed and that person must not drink, said Mark McManaman, administrator of emergency and medical services for Pratt County.

The discharge of fireworks inside the city limits of Pratt is forbidden. There is a high potential for fire in the city limits and that is why the ordinance is in place.

“The whole reasoning (no fireworks in the city) is to limit the fire potential with the city limits,” said Pratt Chief David Kramer. “The city obviously has a much higher fire potential.”

Being prepared is the key to handling fireworks safely. Rural fires are always a danger because of the distance from water. Fire is always a possibility especially when the weather has been hot and dry. It dries out grass and other plants, making them susceptible to fire, so plan ahead for possible fire.

“It’s always a good idea to have something on hand to put out a small fire at an early stage,” Kramer said.

Fire fighting items such as a garden hose, a bucket with water or a fire extinguisher need to be in place before lighting fireworks.

No matter how careful fireworks are handled, accidents can happen and some need extra attention. If a burn happens and it results in blisters, seek medical care. After a burn occurs, immediately cool it with water, McManaman said.

Shooting fireworks at someone is dangerous and is setting fireworks off under or around vehicles, McManaman said.

Because wheat harvest got a late start, there is a greater danger of a wheat field fire from rural fireworks this year. Everyone needs to be extra cautious when setting off rural fireworks.

“There’s still a lot of uncut wheat in the county, McManaman said.

If a fire does get started, call the fire department immediately and get help on the way.
Burns and fire aren’t the only danger from fireworks. Fireworks, especially big public displays, can be very loud. Kansas State University Extension suggests using earplugs if anyone is going to be near fireworks. They also suggest that dogs should be kept inside while fireworks are discharged because of their acute hearing.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s office offers the following firework safety tips.

• Read and follow instructions.

• Purchase high quality fireworks from a reliable legitimate source and never make homemade fireworks.

• Never give fireworks to small children and adults should always supervise older children.

• Always wear eye protection.

• Never ignite fireworks indoors and make sure outdoor areas are safe.

• Never point fireworks at people, buildings or animals.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Only light one firework at a time.

• Never try to relight a faulty firework.

• Never have a body part over fireworks when lighting them.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

• Bottle rockets or skyrockets mounted on a stick or wire are illegal in Kansas.

• It is illegal to shoot fireworks on or under a vehicle on any public roadway, within 50 feet of a firework stand or where fireworks are stored, and gas stations or any place liquid gas — including propane — is stored.

Accidents by number

Firework accidents happen every year in Kansas. Kansas State Fire Marshall statistics from 2007 reveal who was injured and how.

• Males accounted for 101 of 125 reported injuries.

• Most injures, 46, were over 18 years old with less than 10 injuries to each age group from ages one to 18.

• The bulk of injuries, 82 of 140, were burns followed by wounds, cuts and bleeding.

• Firecrackers accounted for 32 of 128 injuries followed by 25 for other type of shooting works, 23 for other types of fireworks and 18 by sparklers.

• Total injuries were split with 39 percent to eyes, head and neck; 26 percent to hands and 35 percent to trunk, back, arms, legs, feet and other body parts.

• Nearly all injures, 114 of 125 were treated and released. Others were: two admitted for observation, three admitted for treatment, two transferred to burn center and four had other disposition.

• Only 45 percent of injures happened on July 4. The other 55 percent happened before and after Independence Day from June 27 to July 13.