Keep fireworks safe

Bill Wilson

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 | 6:29 p.m.

Celebrating our country's Independence under the beautiful sparkling lights of a fireworks display is a wonderful time-honored tradition. However, the misuse of fireworks will have some foolish and impulsive people celebrating the holiday under the beautiful sparkling lights of an emergency room.

Last year close to 10,000 persons were treated for fireworks-related injuries. The National Council on Fireworks Safety is predicting roughly the same statistics this year. Their studies noted the misuse, rather than the malfunction, of consumer fireworks to be the cause of the most injuries.

To minimize the risk to you and your family, the Boulder City Fire Department is asking for your adherence to the following guidelines:

• Use only consumer or "family type" fireworks with the Safe & Sane labels
• Use only under adult supervision
• Never let a small child handle any fireworks
• Use only in outside areas that are cleared, such as a driveway or dirt lot
• Do not use under windy conditions
• Avoid explosive or flying fireworks
• The person lighting the fuse should wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the fireworks
• Always have water handy (garden hose, bucket)
• Never try to relight a dud. Don't touch it for 15 minutes, then soak it in water
• All firework activity is required by law to end at midnight

The Fire Department would like to invite Boulder City residents to the festivities at Bob Broadbent Park. You can visit and participate in our fire-safety house, simulating a house on fire.

Have a great and safe holiday!

Bill Wilson, a firefighter-paramedic for the Boulder City Fire Department, can be reached at 293-9228.