Pow, crackle, boom… It’s not a new cereal theme but what folks are hearing off and on as the Independence Day holiday approaches.
In the city limits of Memphis, it is legal to discharge fireworks on private property from June 20th through July 10th. Fireworks may be discharged from noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and on July 3rd and 4th.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety reminds the public of the danger associated with fireworks. According to the DPS, there were more than 400 emergency rooms visits in 2016 directly attributed to fireworks injuries, with 33 people being admitted to the hospital due to the seriousness of their injuries.
Typically the first week in July is accompanied by drier climate that can result in higher risk of fires as well. According to the National Fire Protection Association, a typical Independence Day witnesses far more fires than on any other day of the year, with more than half attributed to fireworks mishaps. The NFPA reports that in 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle resulting in eight reported deaths, 60 injuries and an estimated $36 million in property damage.
Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri from June 20 to July 10.
The DPS reminds Missourians to only purchase fireworks from a properly licensed retailer.
It is advisable to always wear eye protection and earplugs; to tie back long hair and don’t wear loose fitting clothes when discharging fireworks.
Other common safety tips include, only light one firework at a time, never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned, and never have any part of the body over fireworks.
Permits for display fireworks may be granted to municipalities, fair associations, amusement parks, organizations, persons, firms or corporations.
The 26th Annual NEMO Fireworks Show will be held at the Catfish Place in Arbela at dusk on Friday, July 3rd.
The 148th Annual Hurdland 4th of July celebration fireworks show will be held at 10:15 p.m.
The Downing Fire Department will host a fireworks display of Sunday, July 5th.
