The Fourth of July is Friday, and with the celebration of the nation's independence comes cookouts, family reunions and fun.
But it also brings with it some hazardous conditions. So to help citizens stay safe this holiday weekend, the Blytheville Police Department and Blytheville Fire Department are offering some safety tips and facts.
BPD Chief Ross Thompson cautions citizens about mixing fireworks and alcohol as a part of their celebration. It's a violation of city ordinance to sell or discharge fireworks in the city limits and it's a violation of state law to drink in public or drink and drive.
Thompson added that small items, like sparklers or small fountains for the kids, don't usually disturb anyone and can be safe when used properly under sober adult supervision. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
"We all too often are confronted with intoxicated adults discharging large dangerous devices in confined areas. However, large strings of firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and large rockets or are dangerous and offensive," Thompson said.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries happen each year. Half of these injuries are head and eye related, and one-fourth of firework-related eye injuries result in permanent partial vision loss or blindness.
"Although some will say common sense isn't so common anymore, don't mix drinking with fireworks or driving -- that is a sure way to get arrested. Have respect for others who don't think firecrackers are fun," Thompson said. "Instead of spending loads of money on an illegal home fireworks display, save your money, avoid the risk of a run-in with the law, and attend the city-sponsored professional fireworks display at the Sportsplex."
The city fireworks show, sponsored by the CATPC, will begin at dusk Friday at the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex.
BFD Chief Mike Carney also reminds people that extreme caution and safety should be exercised if they choose to discharge fireworks on Friday, which can only be done outside the city limits.
Since the adoption of the city ordinance prohibiting the sales of or discharging of fireworks within the city limits, Carney said the department saw a dramatic decrease in fires related to fireworks in 2013.
"In past years there has been numerous house fires, shed fires and grass fires that were started from fireworks in our city," Carney said. "We all know that fireworks on the Fourth of July are about as American as apple pie, but according to the NFPA, two out of five fires reported on the Fourth of July are started by fireworks."
As a reference point, Carney said cakes bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, wood burns at 575 degrees Fahrenheit and glass melts at 900 degrees Fahrenheit, but what most people probably do not know is that the sparklers they often give their children to play with burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Carney offered the following tips from the National Fire Protection Association for ensure a safer holiday weekend.
-- Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks.
-- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals.
-- After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
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Carney also wants the public to be mindful of the following statistics.
-- In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
-- In 2012, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated and estimated 8,700 people for fireworks-related injuries; 55 percent of 2012 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities, and 31 percent were to the head.
-- The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children under 10.
-- On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires more than any other cause of fires.
"Amateur firework use endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures," Carney said. "If one so chooses to discharge fireworks outside the city limits, it should be done with adult supervision and in an area that has no vegetation or structures that could possibly catch fire as a result of the discharge of fireworks."
cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com