The next several evenings are sure to be filled with the pops and bangs of fireworks, but safety officials are urging residents to take extra care to avoid adding the wail of emergency sirens to the mix.
Officials with the St. Joseph Fire Department say common injuries they see around the Fourth of July involve burns to the hands and legs. Capt. Pat McGuire said people need to be prepared when lighting a firework doesn’t go according to plan.
“Don’t relight fireworks that didn’t go off. if it’s a dud, then leave it be,” he said. “Make sure you have water close, a five-gallon bucket full of water or a garden hose ready to go.”
Keeping the ground wet where fireworks are being ignited can help prevent fires caused by sparks from fireworks, which can ignite dry grass.
McGuire also said to light fireworks on the ground instead of in your hand.
“Make sure you stay a safe distance from the fireworks when they go off,” he said. “Say if you’re in a motorized wheelchair, make sure you can put it in reverse. Just be safe and have fun.”
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.