Nevada to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang

Friday, July 2, 2004

* Enjoy fireworks, but don't get burned -- discharge them safely, Fire chief says.

By Ben Holman

Nevada Daily Mail

It is impossible to ignore the signs this time of year, Independence Day has arrived. Along with the holiday come all of the traditions; cookouts at the lake, American flags displayed proudly and, of course, fireworks. While fireworks are an ever-present part of American Independence Day celebrations, it is important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 9,700 people were treated in hospitals for fireworks related injuries last year. About half of the injuries were children. In order to ensure that your family has a safe holiday, there are some important safety tips that you should follow.

The most important safety precaution is to know the laws. Items such as M-80s, M-100s, and other such devices are explosives, not fireworks, and are federally banned. According to Nevada Fire Chief Bill Gillette, "Anything that explodes or leaves the ground would not be legal in the city limits of Nevada."

Things that are legal in town, include sparklers, fountains, and smoke-type fireworks. While these devices are considered safer they can still be hazardous. The Nevada Fire Department suggests several simple guidelines that should be followed in order to enjoy fireworks safely:

* Always read and follow label directions

* Have adult supervision

* Buy from reliable dealers

* Ignite outdoors

* Have water handy

* Never use homemade fireworks

* Light one at a time

* Never re-light duds

* Never give fireworks to small children

* Store in a cool, dry place

* Dispose of properly

* Never throw fireworks at others

* Never carry fireworks in your pocket

* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

It is important to handle all fireworks carefully; even sparklers can cause serious burns and ignite clothing.

The safest way to enjoy a fireworks display is to leave it up to professionals. The Nevada Fire Fighters Association Local 3031 is sponsoring its 12th annual fireworks display on Sunday. "We've spent $4.000 on fireworks this year," said Bill Thornton, Nevada firefighter. The display will begin at 10 o'clock and is expected to last for about 20 minutes but festivities will be going on all evening. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include a free watermelon feed, concession stand, a flagpole dedication with the National Anthem sung by Whitney Davis, DJ music and kids activities until 10 o'clock.

"We'd like to thank all the local businesses for their support," says Timothy Bullard, Nevada firefighter, "the City has been very helpful as well." All of the money for the event was raised through ad sales to local businesses, charitable donations, and the city of Nevada.

Rich Hill is also conducting a fireworks display at 10 p.m. on the fourth as part of their Famous for the Fourth celebration.

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