Think Safety with Fireworks

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The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District wants to remind you to be safety-minded while handling fireworks this year. The district referenced a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission which stated that in 2020 fireworks injuries made a staggering jump over 2019.

The commission believes that because many municipalities such as Kearney cancelled public fireworks displays last year, consumers were encouraged to have their own displays. This may have caused the spike in reported injuries and deaths caused by fireworks in 2020. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports a 50 % increase in fireworks-related incidents in 2020, compared to 2019.

The Kearney Fire and Rescue Protection District share these tips for fireworks safety:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals

  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap

  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from the fireworks device quickly

  • Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water, and throw them away

  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks

  • Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone

  • After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device

  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use

  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs

Firecrackers were the biggest source of ER-treated fireworks injuries last year, followed by sparklers. The parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers. The head, face and ears were the second most injured body parts, followed by the eyes. Remember that most fireworks are essentially explosives and should be handled in a safe, responsible manner.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story