Officials speak on enjoying fireworks safely

BOWLING GREEN Ky.- Fireworks, while entertaining to watch can be devastating to those who aren’t being careful.

In 2017, 8 people died and over 12,000 were injured nationwide in firework related incidents, according to the National Safety Council website. The safety of those using fireworks is a concern for the Bowling Green Fire Department.

“I think with any firework, whether you do a special time or not, there are several things that you have to keep in mind. We do want people to be safe. If they’re going to enjoy those, we want them to be careful,” said fire safety educator Marlee Boenig.

There’s one common injury from the improper use of fireworks.

“Most of the time, those injuries that you’re going to have are going to be burns. Probably around 51% of the injuries that you get from fireworks are burns,’ Boenig said.

When setting off fireworks at any time, the fire department always recommends wearing eye protection, and having a bucket of water handy.

Thanks to an ordinance by the Warren County Fiscal Court, fireworks may be used on June 27 through July 3 and on July 5 and 6 from 10 am to 11 pm. Hours are extended for the Fourth of July from 10 am to midnight. Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said this will help in keeping the peace.

“A lot of things need to be considered when setting off fireworks. Proximity of other people’s homes, the noise, the hours. We ask people to be very considerate of other people around you,” Hightower said.

With the ordinance in effect, Hightower said the community will have a safe and fun time if they follow it.

“Every year across the United States, there are severe injuries. Last year, there was a few deaths due to improper usage of fireworks. We always recommend that people always follow the standards, the protocol, to ensure that all safety is taken into consideration,” Hightower said.