With a squeal, a boom, and an array of colors in the air; everyone beware.
The Fourth of July is on the horizon — a time for fireworks, barbeque, hot dogs, and flying the American flag. Everyone wants to know where to see the best firework displays and where to purchase fireworks. While fireworks do light the night on this holiday and make adults and children smile, the reasons behind this holiday are often overlooked.
First, “the Fourth of July” is actually Independence Day. While 1776 was when the Declaration of Independence was created, Independence Day did not become a federal holiday until June 28, 1870.
The Fourth of July is one of the most celebrated holidays in the United States, but also one of the most dangerous holidays, due to the use of explosives.
Mortar shells and kids don’t mix
Children are a key concern when it comes to Fourth of July safety.
According to the Springfield Fire Department’s website:
- “54% of the children injured by fireworks are under the supervision of adults.
- 26% of the children injured by fireworks are simply bystanders.
- 10% of the children injured by fireworks suffer permanent damage.
- 24% of the children injured by fireworks suffer eye injuries.
- 24% of the children injured by fireworks suffer injury to the hands.”
One of the most popular fireworks that are bought are mortars, specifically the reloadable tubes with several shells and fuses. They can be seen among the most common fireworks sold in the tents around Springfield. These fireworks have a cylindrical tube, a small square base and refillable “shells” that users light.
“The primary cause of injuries,” Logan-Rogersville Fire Chief Richard Stirts said, “comes from the base not being secure and turning over.”
The base, while stable on level ground, does not do well on a slope or tilted ground.
“Have a designated shooting area,” Stirts said, “don’t be impaired while doing it, make sure there’s plenty of precautions taken. Having a stable base, putting down a piece of plywood, something for them to not turn into the grass or rocks, try to avoid sending them off into the roadway because of cars coming.”
Degrees of danger
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, fireworks are considered an explosive. If a firework has more than 130 milligrams of flash powder, or if an arterial shell has more than 40 grams of “pyrotechnic compositions,” it is considered a “display firework,” suitable for only licensed persons, and not available for purchase by a typical consumer.
While fireworks are something many people enjoy to partake in and enjoy to see, they are dangerous.
“I would classify them as very dangerous,” Stirts said. “It can go into your eye, face, or burn your arm or leg so they are very dangerous.”
Burns are classified by degrees of severity.
According to the MedlinePlus website:
- “First-degree burns affect only the outer layer of the skin. They cause pain, redness, and swelling.
- Second-degree burns affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin. They cause pain, redness, swelling, and blistering. They are also called partial thickness burns.
- Third-degree burns affect the deep layers of skin. They are also called full thickness burns. They cause white or blackened, burned skin. The skin may be numb.”
If you experience a third degree burn, you must seek medical treatment immediately.
Fireworks prohibited in Springfield
Springfield ordinances bar the discharge of most fireworks inside the city limits. According to the Springfield Fire Department, there are a few exceptions.
“Novelty items, described as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices or glowworms, and some sparklers are allowed but should be used with extreme care and under adult supervision,” a statement from the Springfield Fire Department reads.
There are many events in Springfield to celebrate Independence day, including the Midtown parade at 10 a.m. starting at Central and Drury Lane, and the celebration at 11 a.m. at Washington Park. The Springfield Cardinals will have a fireworks display on July 4 after their game against the Amarillo Sod Poodles, which starts at 5:35 p.m.
On the Hauxeda’s calendar, there are a variety of events to choose from. Some are completely free to attend.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, troopers arrested 146 people for drinking and driving and arrested 13 boaters for being intoxicated on July 4, 2022.
This year, the Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over holiday period.
“All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed,” a statement from the Highway Patrol reads.
More safety tips
To ensure your safety, the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Fire Safety Office of the State Fire Marshal gives this advice:
- “Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer.
- Always wear eye protection and earplugs if you have sensitive ears.
- Tie back long hair and don't wear loose fitting clothes.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned.
- Never have any part of your body over fireworks.
- Keep young children away from fireworks.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Make sure to have water nearby in case of a fire or an accident.
- Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.
- Never light fireworks indoors.
- Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol. Use a “designated shooter.”
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don't save fireworks from season to season.”
