Cape Girardeau Fire & Police Departments participate in firework safety

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Cape Girardeau Police and Fire departments joined forces to bring safety tips and what not to do as you enjoy the 4th of July.

“The biggest thing is we just want you to be safe,” said Drew St. John, Fire Marshall with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department.

Fireworks safety and regulations continue as the City of Cape monitors weather conditions and remains hopeful for more rain.

Even with the rainfall received in certain areas, citizens are still highly encouraged to use extreme caution while using fireworks.

“Make sure you’re being courteous to your neighbor,” said Bobby Newton, police informational officer with the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Officer Newton says to keep fireworks away from structures, have water nearby, and “wet down” discarded fireworks.

“We want to make sure you’re not shooting bottle rockets or any fireworks with a ridged stick, you have no control over those so they can end up in somebody’s yard, on someone’s house, it could start a fire that way as well,” said Newton.

Adult supervision is the law with all fireworks.

“They’re made for consumer use, but you’re still dealing with fire, and sometimes they can be unpredictable,” said St. John.

Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

“You want to make sure that you have a water source whether that be a bucket or water hose nearby,” said St. John.