Independence Day, unfortunately, is one of the busiest days of the year for fire fighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year, and two out of five are fireworks-related incidents. The Ottumwa Fire Department advises that the best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show. “Consumer fireworks are dangerous and the risks to personal safety and the safety of the community are significant,” says Deputy Chief Cory Benge.
According to a 2015 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments annually. Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, cookouts and community events can quickly turn to disaster if proper precautions are not taken. Children are especially at risk on July 4. Of those injured, 35 percent of victims with fireworks injuries were under 15. Children should never play with fireworks. Even sparklers can reach 1200º Fahrenheit.
“Fireworks are legal in Ottumwa on July 4th from 4pm until 10:30pm. Legal or not, if you decide to ignore these words of caution and set off your own fireworks display, precautions need to be taken, and taken seriously,” Benge said. “While pretty, fireworks can be very, very dangerous.”
Please only call 9-1-1 for potentially life-threatening situations so fire fighters are available to respond quickly when lives are in danger.
“If you are reporting a noise complaint, there is another number to call for that,” said Benge. Dial 641-683-0661 for all non–life-threatening situations.
For more information about fireworks safety, visit http://www.nfpa.org/fireworks.
To check the legality of fireworks in your state, visit http://www.usfireworks.biz/legal/legal.htm.
July 4th Public Safety Checklist
If you insist on setting off your own fireworks, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends taking these precautions. The Ottumwa Fire Department wants you and your family to be safe on the Fourth.
- Only buy fireworks from a licensed seller (not from someone on the street or from someone’s house)
- Read and follow the directions on the fireworks before lighting them
- Have water handy in case of an emergency
- Only use fireworks in an open, outdoor area
- Light the fireworks on a hard surface and be cautious of any wind
- Have a designated person to set off the fireworks who avoids alcohol and does not wear loose clothing
- Make sure that the designated person wears safety goggles and close-toed shoes
- Do not alter or combine fireworks
- Aim the firework away from houses, dry leaves, flammable materials and people
- Never extend a body part over the device
- Light one firework at a time
- Never relight a “dud” firework
- Wait 20 minutes after setting off the firework to approach it and then soak it in water
- Remember, the best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show.
Source: https://www.ottumwa.us/news/fire_fighters_urge_caution_near_fireworks_on_independence_day_/
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