As the Fourth of July holiday weekend gets underway, area residents are encouraged to keep fireworks safety in mind.
A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries in recent years. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to CPSC estimates.
“It’s imperative that consumers know the risks involved in using fireworks, so injuries and tragedies can be prevented. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch the professional displays,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric.
In Garvin County, at least two professional public displays are planned this weekend, including a celebration at Paoli’s Dulin Park, July 2, which will include a cookout and fish fry beginning at 5 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dark.
Pauls Valley’s Fourth of July Celebration will be July 4 at Thompson Field in Wacker Park. Those festivities will get underway at 6 p.m. and will include food trucks, vendors, the annual Watermelon Seed Spittin’ contest, and a Glow Party at 9 p.m. Fireworks will begin at dark.
Maysville’s Chamber of Commerce is also planning a celebratory Family Fun Day, July 2, from 2-6 p.m. at The Grove, next to the ballfields just south of Maysville Elementary School. The event will not include fireworks, but will feature music, food, games and bounce houses for the kids. Lawn chairs are encouraged.
For those planning to celebrate with their own fireworks this Fourth of July, the CPSC urges consumers to follow these safety tips:
•Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
•Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
•Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.
•Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
•Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
•Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
•After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
•Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
•Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
Most Garvin County communities prohibit the use of fireworks within their city or town limits.
The City of Lindsay’s ordinances do allow certain fireworks within the city limits with restrictions between June 27 and July 4. Please check local ordinances before discharging fireworks. Those ordinances can be found on the city’s website at cityoflindsay.com, or on the “Lindsay Police Department, Oklahoma” Facebook page.
Additionally, Stratford officials said fireworks will be allowed in the Stratford city park until 10 p.m. on July 4. Elmore City will allow fireworks at the Elmore City Lake until midnight over the Fourth of July weekend, and participants are expected to pick up any litter generated by their fireworks.
