Fireworks Safety

Shooting fireworks and fireworks displays celebrating America's independence is a time honored tradition. In fact, President John Adams wrote this about the first Independence Day celebration in 1776:

  "The day (Independence Day) will the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival...it ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade...bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to the other, from this day forward forevermore."

Fireworks can provide hours of entertainment, but must be used by adults carefully and safely.

First and foremost, purchase fireworks in the city in which you intend to shoot them. This is the only way to ensure that you are not violating any fireworks ordinances or regulations for that area.

Fireworks are banned on Wichita State University property as outlined in section 11.9 (Weapons Possession) of the Procedure and Policy Handbook. The use of fireworks is also covered in the Student Code of Conduct, section 8.05.

Here are some basic laws concerning fireworks in Kansas and the City of Wichita:

• Do not shoot fireworks on or under a vehicle, on a public roadway, within 50 feet of a firework stand or where fireworks are stored, or gas stations or any place liquid gas, including propane is stored.
  

The City of Wichita has the following guidelines:

• Only approved fireworks can be used in the city.
  • http://www.wichita.gov/CityOffices/fire/firedocs.htm will bring up the current list of approved fireworks for the City of Wichita.
• Fireworks cannot emit a shower of sparks more than 6 feet in any direction; and
• Fireworks labeled as emitting flaming balls cannot be shot.

Fireworks can be purchased and set off starting June 26, 2008 through midnight July 05, 2008.

The fine for possessing or discharging fireworks is $85.00; possessing or selling illegal fireworks will cost you a day in court.

Shooting fireworks in any unincorporated area of Sedgwick County is illegal.

 Here are some Fireworks Safety Tips to ensure your Independence Day Holiday is both safe and fun:

• Always read and follow label instructions
  
• Always purchase high quality fireworks from a reliable, legitimate source
  
• Never give small children fireworks. Sparklers may seem innocent, but they burn at more than 1000 degrees F.
  
• Adults should always supervise the use of fireworks by older children
  
• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks
  
• Keep the fireworks outside
  
• Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building or animal
  
• Do your pet a favor and keep them inside when shooting off fireworks. Fireworks can be very stressful for some animals
  
• Have a source of water handy, in case of fire
  
• Never shoot fireworks in a metal or glass container
  
• Light fireworks one at a time
  
• Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any "duds." Let them sit for five minutes, then immerse in water
  
• Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any firework
  
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
  
• Stay away from illegal fireworks, commonly known as M-80's, M-100's, blockbusters or quarterpounders. Banned by the Federal Government in 1966, they commonly do not carry a manufacturers name and/or are unlabeled. Possessing this type of illegal firework can bring a $1,000.00 fine
  
• Homemade fireworks can be deadly - don't attempt to make your own or purchase kits advertised for making fireworks. Mixing and loading chemical powders is dangerous - leave the making of fireworks to the experts
  
• Do not mix fireworks and alcohol. Consider having a "designated shooter" if you choose to drink alcohol
  
• Use fireworks on a hard, flat surface
  
• Use fireworks in a clear, open area. A minimum clear area of 30 feet for fountains and 100 yards for aerials is recommended. Avoid areas with dry brush or grass that could catch on fire.
  

Firework Injuries

In Kansas, a total of 187 firework-related injuries were reported in 2006 including one injury that resulted in death. Only half of the reported injuries happened on the 4th; the others were reported on the days and weeks surrounding the holiday (June 27th through July 18th).

Injuries to the hands were most commonly reported (35%); injuries to the eyes, head, and neck were the next most common (30%), and the rest were injuries to the trunk, back, arms, legs, feet and other body parts.

Most people were treated and released, however 8 of the reported injuries required hospitalization and 7 were transferred to a burn unit.