Our Opinion: Observe law, safety tips for fireworks

We don't mean to dampen anyone's idea of fun, but discharging fireworks is illegal in Jefferson City and dangerous everywhere.

The Jefferson City Fire Department encourages people to enjoy the professional fireworks display at dusk on July 4, an annual highlight of the Salute to America celebration.

The danger of fireworks is apparent in the following statistics from the National Fire Protection Association.

• In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries; 55 percent of 2014 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38 percent were to the head.

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.

• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

Despite these cautions, the popping sounds from fireworks are common leading up to, during and after Independence Day. Central Missourians who engage in discharging fireworks are encouraged to follow the following safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.

• Have a responsible adult supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.

• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save the alcohol for after the show.

• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.

• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.

• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.

• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.

• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

• Dispose of spent fireworks by soaking them and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

Have an enjoyable, and safe, Fourth of July.