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Creating a safe Fourth of July celebration
By Mark Johnson
Fireworks are illegal in Raytown.
Lt. Doug Goode of the Raytown Police Department recently confirmed that fact, yet, knows calls will be coming in again this year.
Raytown Fire Marshal Matt Mace offered advice to residents considering using fireworks outside the city limits.
“First and foremost, read the directions on each and every device,” he said. “You also want to keep a bucket of water and hose handy.
“Spent fireworks should soak in the bucket for at least six hours.”
Before the fireworks are lit, though, Mace also said to make sure there is at least a 100-foot circle where aerial devices will be used and 30 feet of clearance for devices.
The fire marshal also suggested wetting down your lawn and roof if possible because of potentially dry conditions.
He warned against letting children use fireworks, noting that sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees.
“Only an adult wearing cotton clothing, that preferably covers their arms and legs, should be shooting off fireworks,” Mace said.
He added a further precaution of making sure the person shooting off the fireworks is not using alcohol.
In the event a firework doesn’t go off, Mace said to let it sit and then soak it in water.
“You never want to try and relight it,” he said.
Mace also advised to only light one firework at a time and to never carry them in your pocket.
His final advice is to avoid shooting off fireworks altogether.
“There are no safe ones,” he said. “You’re better off spending time with your family during the day and then going see a professional show.”
Health tips:
In case of a burn:
- If skin is simply reddened, run cool water on it and then keep it dry
- Do not use butter as that keeps in the heat
- If skin begins to blister, seek medical attention
- Do not hesitate to call 911
Source: Raytown EMS
Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.
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Lt. Doug Goode of the Raytown Police Department recently confirmed that fact, yet, knows calls will be coming in again this year.
Raytown Fire Marshal Matt Mace offered advice to residents considering using fireworks outside the city limits.
“First and foremost, read the directions on each and every device,” he said. “You also want to keep a bucket of water and hose handy.
“Spent fireworks should soak in the bucket for at least six hours.”
Before the fireworks are lit, though, Mace also said to make sure there is at least a 100-foot circle where aerial devices will be used and 30 feet of clearance for devices.
The fire marshal also suggested wetting down your lawn and roof if possible because of potentially dry conditions.
He warned against letting children use fireworks, noting that sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees.
“Only an adult wearing cotton clothing, that preferably covers their arms and legs, should be shooting off fireworks,” Mace said.
He added a further precaution of making sure the person shooting off the fireworks is not using alcohol.
In the event a firework doesn’t go off, Mace said to let it sit and then soak it in water.
“You never want to try and relight it,” he said.
Mace also advised to only light one firework at a time and to never carry them in your pocket.
His final advice is to avoid shooting off fireworks altogether.
“There are no safe ones,” he said. “You’re better off spending time with your family during the day and then going see a professional show.”
Health tips:
In case of a burn:
- If skin is simply reddened, run cool water on it and then keep it dry
- Do not use butter as that keeps in the heat
- If skin begins to blister, seek medical attention
- Do not hesitate to call 911
Source: Raytown EMS
Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.