Keeping July 4th Fun and Safe!

Jesse Fulbright, MSU Liberty County Extension

The 4^th of July is a fun holiday, one that remembers the founding of our country and celebrates that occasion with gusto.  With celebrations in full effect on the night of the 4^th I wanted to help everyone keep it a safe holiday by providing some safety tips about fireworks.

 

As we’ve become quite the animal house over the past year with the addition of a cat and a dog, let’s talk about their safety first.  Many animals, especially dogs, run away and get lost over the firework season.  According to Extension sources, it is easy to understand why if you consider fireworks from the dog’s point of view.  In the article, “Why are Dogs Scared of Fireworks? 11 Things You Should Know,” dog behavior scientist Ragen Mcgowan says one of the reasons is that a dog’s acute sense of hearing makes them more sensitive to fireworks then we are.  They are much louder to our pets.  Another reason is while we expect to hear a loud boom during a firework show, dogs do not and can be very startled.  Similar to our reaction when we get startled by a very loud noise, their heart rate races, they have a surge in adrenaline and they experience a sudden increase in a stress hormone circulating throughout their body, which causes them to run away.  Fireworks are also very different then thunderstorms.  Storms come with a lot of warning signs, including a change in the barometric pressure and high winds, so they can anticipate the storm.  If you find yourself with your pet around fireworks, stay calm.  Staying relaxed and calm shows the dog there is no danger.

With children around, remember that while they may want to participate in lighting off fireworks, that is the adult’s job.  In the excitement of the lights and loud sounds, sometimes we forget that young children can suffer injuries from sparklers.  Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.  When you as the adult are preparing to light a firework never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.

Have a safe and fun 4^th of July this year!

Keeping All Your Fingers with Fireworks

Jesse Fulbright, MSU Liberty County Extension

Happy 4^th of July!  I looked forward to this day as a youth, watching various fireworks displays.  Today, I hope to give you some tips about being safe with fireworks tonight.  Much of this information comes from Extension resources around the country. 

First and foremost, research fireworks regulations.  Towns and cities may have additional regulations that go beyond state regulations, so do your homework and stay informed.

Fireworks can cause injuries.  Despite being a widely enjoyed pastime— especially around the 4th of July — fireworks cause thousands of serious injuries each year.  Firecrackers and sparklers cause most of the reported injuries, together accounting for nearly 40%.  Reloadable shells, commonly known as mortars, contribute another nine percent.  Bottle rockets, roman candles, multiple tubes, fountains, and unspecified categories cause the balance of related injuries.  The most common injuries are to the hands and head, with over half of those being burns.

While no age group is immune, 35% of fireworks-related injuries are suffered by children under the age of 14 — nine percent of whom are under 4 years old.  Fifteen to 18 year-olds represent another 12%.  Twenty-five to 44 year old adults account for 34% of injuries, contradicting the belief that people get smarter and more careful with age.

Keep safety your priority.  If the statistics don’t prompt you to change your mind, and you’ve determined you can put on a satisfying and lawful display, there are some important safety tips you should know:

Don’t combine alcohol and fireworks. Hold off on imbibing until after you finish the show.

Never allow children to play with fireworks.

Carefully read the cautionary labels and directions on the package before igniting.

Wear safety glasses.  It only takes a second to put them on, and they will help ensure you will be able to see great fireworks displays for many years to come.

Only light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.  Make sure others watching are a safe distance away from the launch area.  Choose a clear area outdoors away from trees, buildings and cars.

Never relight a “dud” firework that doesn’t go off as it should the first time.  Wait 20 minutes and soak it in a bucket of water, which should be kept close-by along with a charged hose just in case.  The after the show, dispose of any spent fireworks by wetting them down and putting them into a metal trash can until you can dispose of them.  Place the can away from any buildings or combustible materials.

For more information on firework safety, National Council on Fireworks Safety is another great resource.