Fireworks Safety Tips for the Fourth of July
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – As fireworks become available for purchase in Missouri on June 27th, it is essential to refresh your knowledge of safety tips before engaging in celebrations.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2021 report on fireworks injuries and deaths, there were 1,500 reported firecracker injuries and 1,100 reported sparkler injuries.
President of Powder Monkey Fireworks Chris Sanders shared some important safety tips to remember this 4th of July.
Safety tips:
- Supervision for Children: When children are handling fireworks, they should be closely supervised by responsible adults.
- Lighting Precautions: Never rely on anything if an attempted firework ignition fails. Have a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher, or a garden hose nearby to quickly douse any potential fires.
- Maintain Distance: It is crucial to maintain a safe distance when watching fireworks. Sanders advises keeping approximately 75 feet of distance per inch of firework size. For instance, for one-inch fireworks, maintain a distance of 75 feet; for two-inch fireworks, keep a distance of 150 feet; and for three-inch fireworks, maintain a distance of 225 feet.
- Designated Fireworks Lighter: Designate a sober individual to handle the fireworks. Avoid mixing alcohol or recreational marijuana, which is now legal in Missouri, with the handling of fireworks.
Sanders wants to remind people to just stay safe when handling fireworks.
“Designate someone who’s going to light the fireworks if you’re drinking, and you don’t want to mix alcohol or marijuana, which is legal in Missouri now. You don’t want to mix that first 4th of July with recreational marijuana in Missouri, so keep that in mind and have someone who’s sober lighting fireworks,” said Sanders.
