In Other Words: Remember: Fireworks not allowed in city on Fourth

Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year: 30,100.

Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks each year: 9,500.

Fireworks-related deaths in 2007: 11.

Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks in 2006: $34 million.

For Americans, Fourth of July celebrations usually signify summer fun, vacations and the gathering of family and friends. But Independence Day can also bring tragedy. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day and fireworks account for half of those fires.

Sparklers, firecrackers, and rockets are the leading contributors to injuries. Because most fireworks injuries are preventable, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy holiday by following a few fireworks safety tips.

Who is most at risk?

In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries. Fiftysix percent of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head.

Forty-nine percent of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29 percent were contusions and lacerations.

Two of five people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15 and the risk of fireworks injury was 2½ times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population.

Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 56 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.

What are the regulations in Mitchell? Fireworks use and sales are prohibited within the city limits. This does not include small consumer novelties with less than 0.25 of a grain of powder, an example, which can be party pops and snaps.

Class 1.3 (formerly class C) fireworks can be sold in the county with a permit from the state. These fireworks can then be discharged outside of city limits.

A few tips:

• Make sure you have the landowner’s permission.

• Find level ground.

• Bring a bucket of water to place duds into and in case of fire.

• Find an area with no grass or recently mowed short grass.

• Observe the area after the display to make sure that there are no spot fires.

• Please clean up after yourself and properly dispose of all paper and plastic garbage.

Remember that the modification of consumer fireworks is not only extremely dangerous, but it may be illegal.

The use or sale of any fireworks other than those approved by the American Pyrotechnics Association Inc. and Consumer Product Safety Commission labeling standards are illegal.

The Internet is full of videos showing these explosive devises being used and just as many resulting in injuries. M-80s (approx 1.5 inches), Silver Salutes (up to 2 inches) and Cherry Bombs (1 inch in diameter) are illegal in all 50 states and should be reported to the authorities immediately if you come across them.

Just remember: Be safe and enjoy the holiday.

Steve Nedved is the fire marshal for the city of Mitchell.

In Other Words features opinions from local and other contributors who have areas of special interest or expertise. Material shouldn’t exceed 600 words and can be sent to: The Daily Republic, 120 S. Lawler, Mitchell, S.D., 57301. Not all submitted material will be used.

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