GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — While fireworks may be synonymous with the Fourth of July, area firefighters say there are safer alternatives to consider.
Fireworks start more than 19,000 fires and send more than 9,000 people to the emergency room each year in the U.S. Loud, unexpected noises, such as fireworks, can also trigger and worsen symptoms for individuals with PTSD. They can frighten pets as well.
The Green Bay Metro Fire Department suggests trying the following fireworks substitutes:
- 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
However, if you do decide to light off fireworks, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Be prepared! Keep a bucket of water or a working garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of a 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
- Make sure your fireworks are legal
As a reminder to Green Bay residents, the fire department and police department are joining together to reduce the use of illegal fireworks and related hazards while celebrating Independence Day. Between June 23 through July 4, an officer will be joined by a fire marshal during the evening hours to calls related to illegal fireworks complaints. The two will also deliver notification to fireworks vendors within city to discuss what is and is not legal to be sold with and without valid permits, which will then be followed by compliance checks.
