Firework tents have popped up in and around Warren County and residents are stocking up on fireworks they can discharge in backyards to celebrate Independence Day, July 4. Local public safety …
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Fireworks light up the night
Posted
By Kate Miller, Record Managing Editor
Firework tents have popped up in and around Warren County and residents are stocking up on fireworks they can discharge in backyards to celebrate Independence Day, July 4.Local public safety officials say that’s OK, but be safe.“Fireworks are dangerous. Every year there are injuries and fatalities from fireworks,” said Wright City Fire Chief Ron MacKnight.A 2014 study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tracked injuries from fireworks from June 20 to July 20, the time when most Americans are celebrating Independence Day. The study showed that about 230 people across the nation go to the emergency room with firework-related injuries.The study also found:• About 35 percent of fireworks injuries were suffered by children 14 years old and younger.• Smaller fireworks, like firecrackers and sparklers, caused the most injuries.• Fireworks most often injured hands and fingers, eyes, head and ears.• Males are injured about three times as often as females.“Things can go wrong, but if you take as many precautions as you can, you lower your risks,” MacKnight said. “We respond to about one call a year, and we had one already this year,” added Warren County Ambulance District Chief Ralph Hellebusch.Most of the injuries, he said, are hand injuries from people holding on to the firework too long. Hellebusch noted injuries from firework accidents can range from minor to serious.“If it’s a small burn, try to rinse it off. If they need medical attention, rinse it off with cool water and seek medical help.” Hellebusch said. “If it’s bad enough to go to a burn center, call 911. We can do something to manage the pain.” Hellebusch and MacKnight offered more tips for backyard safety:• Use fireworks as they were designed. Read and follow safety instructions.• Adults should remain present and be the ones to ignite the fireworks.• Keep a hose close, especially if the surrounding foliage is dry.• If the booming sounds of fireworks might scare someone (or pets), offer them a place away from the noise.• Call 911 if someone is seriously injured or a spreading fire could hurt people or property.In Warrenton fireworks can be shot off inside city limits from 5 to 10 p.m. each year on July 4. The city may ban fireworks on July 4 if conditions could present a potential danger. In Wright City fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1-4. The discharge of fireworks on public property is prohibited at all times.“Fireworks are meant to go in one direction and that’s up.” Hellebusch said. “Be safe because some of the damage (from firework) injuries can be life-threatening and life-changing,”“Be safe,” he added, “Or rather than shoot the fireworks off yourself, go somewhere where the professionals are lighting them off and you can lean back and watch the show.”Innsbroook will soon hold its annual display for resort members. Fireworks also will be on display at the Warren County Fair Tuesday, July 4, at the fairgrounds in Warrenton.
Fireworks go off at the Wright City Lions Club on June 25 to commemorate Independence Day. Record photo/ Derrick Forsythe.
