GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As the 4th of July weekend quickly approaches, local fire departments are reminding people about the importance of firework safety.
Fireworks start over 19,000 fires and send over 9,000 people to the Emergency Room each year in the US.
“Anything that leaves the ground and goes up in the air is illegal,” said Green Bay Metro Fire Lieutenant Shauna Walesh.
Walesh says even something innocent like sparklers can cause 3rd-degree burns.
“Sparklers can burn in over 1,200°F, which is really comparable to a blow torch. A lot of children use sparklers, so the biggest thing that we can urge is to not allow especially young children to handle those,” Walesh told WTAQ News. “One of the injury patterns we are seeing is on our face, hands, arms, and extremities. If you drop a sparkler, that can cause a pretty serious burn…[we see] a lot of burn related stuff with kids. Really, just leave the fireworks like sparklers to adults and the larger stuff to the professionals.”
Walesh also wanted to make it a point this year to remind residents that shooting off fireworks without warning can have a negative impact on their neighbors.
“Loud, unexpected noises can really trigger and worsen symptoms for individuals with PTSD like veterans or anyone that has dealt with a traumatic experience in their life. As we all know, pets too can be affected by that,” Walesh said. “It’s not so much the community firework shows that are happening, it’s a lot of the unannounced neighborhood residential fireworks that might be being used illegally.”
But for the people who choose to launch mortars anyway, or even those who stick to the sparklers and snakes, Walesh has some tips on how to dispose of what’s left.
“Every year in Green Bay, we have numerous fires. Whether they be started in a dumpster or trash can, or even if they were disposed of and they weren’t totally cooled off and they start the home on fire,” Walesh said. “Whether it be used or maybe it didn’t light, always soak them in water for a few hours before getting rid of them. Some of the bigger box ones can smolder for a long period of time before you would even notice…Smoke bombs and sparklers are legal in our area, but just always be prepared. Keep a bucket of water and a working garden hose nearby just in case.”
Green Bay Metro Fire suggests practicing these safety tips and learn about safe alternatives below:
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Be prepared! Keep a bucket of water or a working garden hose nearby to fully
extinguisher fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioned or “dud” fireworks.
• Store fireworks away from combustibles. Soak both used and unused fireworks
in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep pets inside and ensure they have ID tags.
Safe Alternatives:
• Leave fireworks to the professionals and check out local shows & events.
• Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler.
• Red, white and blue silly string can be fun for all ages.
• Throw a birthday party for the USA, and don’t forget the cake.
“We really recommend people check out the shows that are put on by the professionals, and again, we just want everyone to have a safe 4th of July,” Walesh said.
You can find a list of area fireworks shows and 4th of July parades here.
