News Summary
As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks-related injuries, especially among children, are on the rise in Kansas City. Seven children have received treatment at local hospitals for such injuries since July 1. With an expected 14,700 nationwide injuries predicted for 2024, local authorities are urging safety measures. The Kansas City Fire Department expects numerous calls related to fireworks injuries this holiday weekend. They emphasize that only responsible adults should handle fireworks and warn of the severe risks, particularly for young children. Parents are urged to supervise their kids and adhere to safety guidelines.
Kansas City, MO – A surge in fireworks-related injuries, particularly among children, has raised safety concerns as the Fourth of July approaches. Since July 1, seven children aged 3 to 16 have been treated for such injuries at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. With a nationwide estimate of 14,700 fireworks-related injuries expected by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2024, local authorities are increasing their focus on safety as the holiday weekend draws near.
The Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) is on alert, anticipating numerous emergency calls related to fireworks during the Independence Day weekend. Local officials expect to receive between 5 to 15 calls per day regarding fireworks injuries, with a typical holiday weekend seeing about 3 to 4 fires linked to fireworks. In addition to setting off fireworks illegally within city limits, KCFD emphasizes the dangers posed by fireworks, particularly as burns, especially to the hands and fingers, are the most common type of injury.
Amid these rising concerns, safety guidelines have been reiterated. The KCFD strongly advises that only responsible adults handle fireworks and to strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Fireworks should never be aimed at people, pets, or property and should not be ignited indoors or near dry grass and flammable materials. Special caution is warranted for sparklers, which can reach temperatures of 2,000 degrees, posing severe risks, particularly to young children. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that children should not use any form of fireworks, sparklers included.
Recently, a minor explosion in Kansas City led to injuries among children, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures during the fireworks season. The KCFD urges families to supervise children closely around fireworks and reminds the community that safety tips are available to prevent injuries.
If a firework fails to ignite, individuals should maintain a safe distance and not attempt to inspect or reignite it. Fire safety preparations should include having water or a fire extinguisher within reach when handling fireworks. Discarded fireworks should be soaked in water for several hours before disposal to mitigate the risk of accidental fire, and they should never be thrown in household trash.
In proactive efforts to ensure safety, three fireworks stands in Kansas City have undergone inspections and passed local safety checks. The owners of these stands prioritize safety, employing sprinkler systems and adhering to safety instructions to minimize risks to customers. The Missouri State Fire Marshal insists on the importance of visible fire extinguishers and clearly marked safety signs at these stands.
It is also worth noting that safety regulations related to fireworks can vary by city. Recent compliance checks across Missouri identified only one unpermitted operator, with Independence, Missouri, known for its strict safety regulations for roadside fireworks stands, conducting daily inspections. Independence enforces safety measures requiring multiple exits, prominent glowing safety signs, and prohibitions on smoking or vaping in proximity to fireworks sales.
With peak fireworks sales in Independence expected around July 3 and 4, many Kansas City residents may cross the border to purchase fireworks, where sales are legally permitted. As the holiday approaches, authorities emphasize that parental supervision and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial in preventing injuries and ensuring a safe Independence Day celebration for all.
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: Fireworks Stands Safety Checks
- KSHB: Fireworks Stand Owner Safety Tips
- Fox4KC: Firefighters Prevent Dangerous Fires
- KMBC: Fireworks Safety Tips for Fourth of July
- MSN: Safety After Firework Explosion
- Wikipedia: Fireworks Safety
- Google Search: Fireworks Safety Guidelines
- Google Scholar: Fireworks Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fireworks
- Google News: Fireworks Injury 2023
