Lt. Jim Bussell, the public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, said “We’ve seen some general criticism since 2012 every year, because fireworks – for a lot of people in the community – are a huge deal”. On display are some of the illegal fireworks that have been confiscated from New Jersey residents.
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About 10,500 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospitals in 2014, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks – devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.
While he understands the appeal, Martinson said some of the most impressive fireworks are not only risky but also illegal in Minnesota. Tips include keeping fireworks away from young children, avoiding fireworks in brown paper packaging, supervising fireworks activities, keeping a bucket of water nearby and lighting one item at a time.
If you’re planning to incorporate a fireworks display into your plans for the long weekend, attending a large-scale, fireworks show at a local park or outdoor space just might be the safer way to go.
Still planning to use fireworks in your backyard?
Desert Sky Fireworks said they’re averaging about $2,000 dollars a day. Don’t try to relight it, because it could still be in the ignition stage and go off without notice. On the Fourth of July the Valley experiences unsafe particulate levels four or five times higher than the health based federal standards, which are all due in part to personal fireworks used throughout Valley neighborhoods.
However, if you or someone near you does shoot off fireworks this weekend, Bradley County Fire-Rescue Chief Troy Maney offered these tips. “Then, just get a chair down there, that way they can enjoy the fireworks down-wind and if anything happens all they have to do is put that towel on it and there is no problem”, explained Nettles. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks. When children hold sparklers close to their bodies, they can burn their skin or set fire to their clothes.
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· Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal containers.
