Be safe with fireworks July 4

By Brian Smith
Register News Writer

July 02, 2009 11:08 pm

— The July 4 holiday often brings “bombs bursting in air” and “rockets’ red glare,” but experts and local authorities advise people to exercise safety when it comes to their own fireworks displays.
“Safety’s a big issue with fireworks,” said Chief Gerald Tatum of the Richmond Fire Department. “The biggest problem we see is people getting burns.”
The National Council on Fireworks Safety, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, advises consumers to only purchase fireworks that bear safety warnings, identify the country of manufacture and are packaged in brightly-colored wrappers.
Kentucky state law prohibits the sale of fireworks that leave the ground, explode, emit flaming objects or have wings or fins. Permitted fireworks include sparklers, spark fountains and ground-based fireworks that emit smoke or make noise.
Tatum advised anyone setting fireworks off to make sure they are prepared to light them safely.
“Have a garden hose or some water nearby,” Tatum said. “If you light a dud firework and it doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it.
“Be a safe distance away from structures or buildings when you light them,” Tatum said.
Richmond city ordinance restricts the sale of some fireworks, Tatum said, but he was unaware of specific restrictions on lighting fireworks inside the city limits.
Berea city ordinance outlaws the lighting of “firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, roman-candles or other fireworks or substances designed for a pyrotechnic display.”
Both Richmond and Berea will offer professional fireworks displays on July 4.
The Fireworks Extravaganza in Richmond begins at 4:05 p.m. with music, food and other activities. The fireworks display will begin at 10 p.m.
In Berea, the 4th of July Spectacular begins at 5 p.m. with music and games. A fireworks display will start at 10 p.m.

Brian Smith may be reached at bsmith@richmondregister.com or at 624-6694.

Tips
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives.