The Bainbridge Island Fire Department wants you to be fireworks ready for the Fourth and to understand the laws and how to have fun safely. Consumer fireworks are legal on Bainbridge Island only on July 4th (not the 3rd, not the 5th) and then only between 5:00 and 11:00 p.m. You’ve been warned. On that one day and during those hours, be careful.
The BIFD is sharing the following horrific statistics—not to put out your metaphoric inner sparkler, but to make sure the fun stays fun: Nationwide in 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. There were 9,600 hospital visits for fireworks-related injuries. Follow these guidelines to keep it safe:
- Only adults should light fireworks. Keep small children away from fireworks—sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
- Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from buildings or other combustible objects.
- Don’t use sky lanterns even though they make you feel like you’re in a Miyazaki movie. They’re dangerous and can travel long distances while burning, which means they can land on things that can combust.
- Ensure the safety of pets; the loud sounds make them nervous. More pets become lost on this day than any other. They panic and leap through open windows, break tethers, hop fences. They also get hit by cars.
- Be considerate of your neighbors and the environment. Maybe the young couple with the baby next door doesn’t enjoy an M-80 rattling their bedroom window.
- Follow directions on the packaging.
- Be sure all fireworks are safely extinguished.
And, remember: Not all fireworks are even legal in the State of Washington (like that M-80). Look here:
Photo courtesy of Fire Protection Bureau. Featured photo by USCPSC.