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Local News
Enjoy fireworks safely, Wilson firefighters caution By Gina Childress | Daily Times Staff Writer Don't drink and light during your Fourth of July celebration. That's one of the guidelines Wilson Fire and Rescue Services would like people to follow when putting on their own fireworks display today and during the weekend. Capt. Kevin Hubbard with Wilson Fire and Rescue Services says there are simple rules people should follow when celebrating the Fourth. "First and foremost, all fireworks should be shot off in a green, grassy area or on pavement," he said. "Nobody should ever light a firework in a dry, grassy area. The dry conditions contribute to the danger of the fireworks." Hubbard said along with making sure that you have a secure location, he recommends that an ample water supply be readily available just in case something goes awry. "Either have several buckets of water standing by or have the water hose handy to take care of anything that goes wrong," he said. Another important tip is to read all of the instructions on the package before lighting a firework. "Always read the instructions on the packages very carefully," Hubbard said. "There may be some special way the manufacturer recommends you handle the firework, and you are putting yourself and others in danger when you don't follow the directions." Wilson Fire and Rescue personnel also don't condone the use of any type of firework or sparkler indoors. Hubbard said some Fourth of July injuries are incurred when children are allowed to assist in the fun. "Children should never be allowed to light a firework or participate in shooting them off," he said. "Always make sure children are properly supervised." Another unnecessary risk people take is when they try to re-light an unexploded firework or a "dud", said Hubbard. "Never, ever try to relight a firework if it doesn't go off," he said. "Because, it could go off when you do approach it and that can be bad." Hubbard said to leave an unexploded firework for about 15 to 20 minutes before approaching it. Then, he said. you should soak it in a bucket of water before throwing it away. Once your home fireworks display has been completed, Hubbard says it wouldn't be a bad idea just to take the water hose and spray down the area in and around the area where the fireworks were being detonated. "I don't think people realize how dangerous even the small ones can be," he said. "Even the ones that are legal in North Carolina." However, he did recommend that even if debris catches something on fire, it is a good idea to go ahead and call the fire department for assistance. "That way we can make sure that no further danger is present," Hubbard said. The National Council on Fireworks Safety encourages people to enjoy a professional fireworks display instead of putting on one of their own. Hubbard agrees. "The safest show in town is at the Tobs stadium," he said. gina@wilsontimes.com | 265-7821 ============================================================ SAFETY TIPS: - Only use outdoors - Obey local laws - Have water handy - Only use as intended - Never re-light a "dud" - Use common sense - Don't drink alcohol while using them - Children under 12 should not use fireworks Never use a homemade firework Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety PERMITTED FIREWORKS: - Sparklers - Fountains - Smoke devices - Snake and glow works - Trick noisemakers PROHIBITED FIREWORKS: - Explosive or aerial fireworks - Roman candles - Rockets or similar devices
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