The Snyder Fire Department will be ready if someone starts a fire discharging fireworks.
Fireworks season officially began today and will continue through July 4. Snyder Deputy Fire Marshal Nathan Hines said the top priority is safety.
“People inside the city limits need to remember that it is illegal to discharge fireworks,” he said. “In the county, please make sure you have something available in case a fire does break out.”
Hines said he will be patrolling areas in town watching for violators.
He said the best way to enjoy fireworks is by attending the Snyder Chamber of Commerce’s Fourth of July celebration in Towle Park. The chamber fireworks show will begin at dusk on July 4.
“But you need to keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used,” he said.
Even a sparkler can cause damage. Hines said a sparkler may reach 1,200 degrees, which is hot enough to melt glass.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission noted that, on average, 280 people per day visit emergency rooms with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the Fourth of July holiday. More than 53 percent of fireworks-related injuries in 2017 were burns.
Hines offered the following safety tips for people who will be discharging fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday:
• Follow the directions. Fireworks come with detailed directions for a reason, and that’s to keep users safe. Adhere to the directions and go over them with anyone who intends to light fireworks.
• Never use fireworks indoors. Fireworks are for outdoor use only. If it rains, do not try to light fireworks indoors and then throw them outside before they go off.
• Make sure spectators keep a safe distance. Do not light fireworks until all spectators are out of range should something go awry.
• Recognize that fireworks are not toys. They might be a marvel, but fireworks are not toys. As a result, they should never be aimed or thrown at another person, nor should they be lit or launched from a body part.
• Do not attempt to reignite malfunctioning fireworks. Attempting to reignite malfunctioning fireworks can lead to serious injury.
• Light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces. When lighting fireworks, make sure to direct them away from people, homes, dry leaves and flammable materials.
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