Fireworks safety

 

Minnesotans celebrate our nation’s independence each year on the Fourth of July with parades, backyard barbecues, family get togethers, camping and campfires, and yes, fireworks! Did you know that more than 30 percent of fireworks injuries is from sparklers? There is an average of 75 hospital visits each year in Minnesota due to fireworks injuries. Nearly 45 percent of fireworks injuries each year happen to children. Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are illegal in Minnesota.

• The Minnesota Department Public Safety and State Fire Marshal’s office recommend some things to keep in mind if you choose to use fireworks:

• Fireworks that fly or explode are illegal in Minnesota. Don’t use them.

• Legal fireworks can be just as dangerous. Sparklers can burn up to 1,200 degrees.

• Before you touch flame to anything, read the instructions first.

• Always have an adult present and keep fireworks away from small children.

• Make sure said adult is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Choose a place away from animals, buildings, storage tanks, and any combustibles.

• Keep a bucket of water nearby for storing spent sparkler wires and extinguishing other combustibles.

• Light only one device at a time.

• Never try to relight a firework that doesn’t ignite the first time. Put it in the water bucket instead.

• If a firework looks damaged, don’t use it. Put that in the bucket too.

Please do not forget about your beloved family pets. Some pets do not like the loud noise or bright lights. Each year many pets go astray or come up missing because of fireworks. Keep them as safe as you would yourself and your other family members.

Most importantly, remember that even with the best of precautions, you are dealing with incendiary devices that burn at hundreds, if not thousands of degrees. By definition, they are dangerous. Leaving the fireworks displays to the professionals will make your Fourth of July safer, more fun and much more likely that you won’t spend the holiday in the emergency room or with the fire department.

The Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s office webpage a good resource for more information at sfm. dps.mn.gov. You can “like” their Facebook page for great fire safety information all year long. Enjoy the long Fourth of July holiday weekend while keeping safety in mind.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County- Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.