SC Nebraska News

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — In 2021, the National Fire Protection Association estimated

fireworks were involved in 12,264 reported fires, including 2,082 total structure fires, 316

vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $59

million in direct property damage.

In addition to property damage, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

estimated in their 2021 Fireworks Annual Report, 11,500 people were treated in U.S. hospital

emergency rooms for firework related injuries. Over half of those injuries were to the

extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15

years of age accounted for almost one-quarter (23%) of the estimated 2021 injuries.

Fire Chief Cory Schmidt said, “Considering the dryer than normal conditions as well as

the inherent dangers associated with fireworks, I encourage Grand Island residents to

consider attending a public firework display. There are two public displays scheduled in

Grand Island and it is always a safer choice to leave fireworks to the professionals.”

 Grand Island city code regulates the hours fireworks may be sold and discharged within

the city limits. Beginning this Wednesday, June 28, the hours are as follows:

• June 28 through July 2- 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• July 3 - 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

• July 4 - 8 a.m. to midnight

If a public display isn’t included in your plans, the city of Grand Island fire department

asks that you exercise caution and adhere to the following recommended safety guidelines:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or

flammable materials.

• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Even sparklers pose a hazard for

children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,200 degrees - hot enough to melt

some metals. Sparklers alone accounted for nearly one-half of all firework related

injuries to children under 5 years of age and roughly one-quarter of all emergency

room visits related to fireworks.

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• Only light one firework at a time.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the

fuse. Immediately back up a safe distance after lighting fireworks.

• Only use legal fireworks sold from Nebraska fireworks stands.

• Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign the fireworks

were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

• Always have a bucket of water and a charged water hose nearby in case of fire or

other accidents. It is also a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy.

• Never try and relight fireworks that have not ignited.

• Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk of them running loose or getting injured.

• Never mix the consumption of alcohol and the lighting of fireworks.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water

from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire

Original source can be found here.