KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Fourth of July weekend is coming up, and with it comes firework displays, which can cause harm and damage to people and property if not handled correctly.
As a result, Kalamazoo Sheriff Richard Fuller is reminding citizens of Kalamazoo County of some basic firework safety tips.
“If you have to do it, let’s make this a holiday, not a hazard,” Fuller said. “I’ve got four tips for people that are going to be doing the fireworks – one, talk to you children, make sure they understand the hazards and the dangers related to [fireworks]. Two, don’t allow your children to light off any of these fireworks. Three, wear eye protection, and four, store these hand lighters away from children, because it’s very tempting for them to want to participate.”
Fuller also has some tips relating to animals and pets when it comes to fireworks.
“We talk every year about the dangers of the fireworks themselves for humans, but we don’t think about the animals,” Fuller said. “They terrify animals. So make sure your pet is inside, make sure they have a comfort toy or blanket, or somehow you’re trying to reassure them that things will be okay after the fireworks are over.”
Conditions for the Fourth of July weekend 2020 are expected to be very hot and dry, which only adds further risks to firework usage.
“There’s a lot of potential for grass fires related to these fireworks,” Fuller said.
Fuller also advises avoiding alcohol when using fireworks.
“Any time we start mixing alcohol with fireworks, that’s where we start seeing more of these problems,” Fuller said. “If you’re gonna be involved with fireworks, don’t be involved with alcohol, and that way you might be able to think a little more clearly about the dangers relating to the devices we’re using during the Fourth of July.”
In a related matter, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is issuing their own warnings and tips relating to firework safety.
“The Independence Day holiday allows us time to spend with friends and family, celebrating the freedom that we have here in the United States,” LARA director Orlene Hawks said. “If you do plan to shoot your own fireworks, please remember that these are explosives and if they are used incorrectly, can cause irreparable injury and harm. It is vital that we all take every safety precaution possible to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
State law requires that consumer-grade fireworks only be ignited from personal property. It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person’s property without their express permission. State law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, individuals are subject to a misdemeanor or felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than five years and fines of up to $10,000 or both.
Bureau of Fire Services (BFS) inspectors are issuing citations to sellers who are non-compliant with the Fireworks Safety Act to ensure that fireworks retailers operate their businesses safely to protect the public. Consumers should always buy from state-certified fireworks retailers – whether in a permanent building or a tent – and can verify a license using the directions provided here.
Consider the following safety tips to protect lives and property:
ALWAYS:
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.
- Ensure people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.
NEVER:
- Buy fireworks packaged in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks – they are for professional use only.
- Experiment with or make your own fireworks.
- Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Try to re-light “duds” or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. (Rather, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.)
- Point or throw fireworks at other people.
- Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
Sparklers should not be considered harmless for kids. More than 50 percent of sparkler-related injuries happen to kids under age 14 across the country.
Sparklers can reach 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and have the potential to cause significant burn injuries and quickly ignite clothing and can cause grass fires if thrown on the ground. Always keep a bucket of water close by to dispose of used sparklers promptly.
For more information regarding fireworks related fires and injuries, please visit the following NFPA weblink.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a warning about the risk fireworks present. In 2019, twelve people died and over 10,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents:
For a list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low impact fireworks, and novelties go to: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/fireworks_381040_7.pdf.
