A caution on the National Fire Protection Association's website advises: "Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by the experts."
Jefferson City again will host a spectacular show. The annual Salute to America culminates with its sky concert, a fireworks display above the Missouri River north of the Capitol at dusk on July 4.
Discharging fireworks is prohibited in Jefferson City and is dangerous cause of injuries and structure fires everywhere.
According to a June report by the national association:
In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires, including 1,400 total structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 30 civilian injuries and $21 million in direct property damage.
In 2014, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks related injuries; 51 percent of those injuries were to the extremities and 38 percent were to the head.
The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 5-9, followed by children 10-19.
More than one-quarter (28 percent) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on July 4th. Almost half (47 percent) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.
If people choose to discharge consumer fireworks where permitted, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety encourages following these safety warnings:
Always keep young children away from fireworks. If teens are permitted to handle fireworks they should be closely supervised by an adult.
Only light one firework at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned.
Make sure to have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.
Only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials. Never light fireworks indoors. Never shoot them off in a glass container.
Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol.
Always wear eye protection; use earplugs if you have sensitive ears.
Never have any part of your body over fireworks.
Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don't save fireworks from season to season.
Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer.
We urge Central Missourians to attend the sky concert as an alternative to discharging fireworks. By any yardstick, the public show is preferable; it's free, it's safe and it's awesome display of sight and sound.