Focus on firework safety this Fourth of July
The warm weather is finely here and family events like the Fourth of July can be a fun time with great memories. But before your family celebrates, make sure everyone knows about fireworks safety.
If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family is not to use fireworks at home. Attend public fireworks displays, and leave the lighting to the professionals. However, if you decide to use fireworks; be smart and safe, use only Safe and Sane fireworks, use them properly and know the Idaho State Statue and local jurisdiction laws.
Within the Sandpoint City Limits it is legal to only use safe and sane fireworks or non-aerial common fireworks. What are the rules? Idaho State Statue 39-2602 defines legal fireworks as follows:
(6) “Non-aerial common fireworks” means any fireworks such as ground spinners, fountains, sparklers, smoke devices or snakes designed to remain on or near the ground and not to travel outside a 15-foot diameter circle;
Or emit sparks or other burning material which land outside a 20-foot diameter circle;
Or fly above a height of 20 feet. Bottle Rockets are illegal.
Non-aerial common fireworks do not include firecrackers, jumping jacks, or similar products. So in the City limits these are the only fireworks a person can discharge.
Sandpoint City Code: 4-3B-1 Prohibited Acts:
A. It is unlawful for any person to possess, sell, give away or discharge any firecrackers or fireworks of any kind in the City except those fireworks specifically approved by provisions of the Idaho Code.
Here are a few safety tips for parents and firework users:
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Firecrackers and bottle rockets, and sparklers are just too dangerous. If you give kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.
• Buy only legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Never try to make your own fireworks.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of accidents.
• Steer clear of others — fireworks have been known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Never throw or point fireworks at someone, even in jest.
• Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush and leaves and flammable substances. The National Fire Protection Association estimates that local fire departments respond to more 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year.
• Light one firework at a time (not in glass or metal containers), and never relight a dud.
• Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
• Soak all fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them in the trash can.
• Think about your pet. Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed on the Fourth of July. Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they’ll run loose or get injured.
If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately call 911 or go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage. Also, don’t flush the eye out with water or attempt to put any ointment on it. Instead, cut out the bottom of a paper cup, place it around the eye, and immediately seek medical attention — your child’s eyesight may depend on it. If it’s a burn, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold, water over the burn, never use ice. Call 911 or your doctor immediately.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but you’ll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe. Be safe this Fourth of July and make your holiday a memorable one.
ROBERT TYLER
Fire chief
Sandpoint Fire Department