Adult supervision, buying from a reputable fireworks vendor and willingness to call the fire department are some of the tips to a safe and enjoyable fireworks show at home.
Arnold and Jefferson County residents should always buy their fireworks from a well-known vendor, said Ron Harder, spokesman for the Rock Community Fire Protection District.
"Black market or home-made fireworks can have a devastating effect," Harder said.
Those types of fireworks could be unstable, contain too much firepower, or be made incorrectly. The result is that there is a higher risk of injury.
The vendors, selling in tents throughout Arnold, are reputable firms that are concerned about people's safety, Harder said. "In fact some of them have stopped selling bottle rockets because of the dried grass and tinder in the area."
The two items are a huge fire risk this year due to the lack of rain.
Harder also said fire inspectors have worked overtime during the evenings to assure that vendors products are safe and secure.
After the purchase, it's important that parents and guardians supervise fireworks storage and use.
"Make sure young children never handle the fireworks to prevent injury," Harder said. "If teenagers are using the fireworks watch the item's path."
Harder said there is a lower firerisk when fireworks are used on concrete and away from homes, grass and flammable materials.
While a fire extinguisher or water hose is handy, feel free to call the fire department about the fire.
"Just let us know the location, that it's a small brush fire that it was caused by fireworks," Harder said.
The fire department has seen a dramatic increase in the number of small brush fires in the area during the past week, he said.
Lastly call the Rock Community Fire Protection District if there is a neighborhood fireworks show planned, Harder said.
The department can send a firefighting truck to event for safety reasons, he said, or the department can alert firefighters about the amount of fireworks used in the area.
