Use common sense with fireworks and you'll be OK

By COURTNEY LOONEY

Salina Journal

At 77, Merlin Stephens says he's a little old to shoot off fireworks himself this year.

But the Salina resident remembers the days when fireworks were a family tradition -- with parents monitoring their children as they shot off fireworks from the yard -- and he looks forward to the tradition continuing in permitted areas of Saline County.

"I think it's a great idea," said Stephens, 340 Maple. "I have no problem with people shooting them off by me. Maybe if all goes well, the city will let it happen here, too."

Officials say the secret to having things go well is safety.

"We want people to enjoy their weekend but think," said Dean Speaks, acting director of Saline County Emergency Management.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, in 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries. Injuries can range from a burn on the hand to losing a limb.

The key is prevention.

"The most important thing is common sense," Speaks said. "Unfortunately, there are no stands that sell common sense. Read the directions before you light anything."

Fireworks like drinking

Bob Ahlstedt, owner of Ahlstedt Fireworks in Lindsborg, said there are plenty of simple ways to avoid injury.

"To me, fireworks are like drinking," Ahlstedt said. "Use common sense, don't overindulge and just be smart."

Ahlstedt, who has owned his fireworks business for 34 years, said to watch how the weather is behaving.

"If it's hot and dry or windy, don't shoot them," he said.

It is especially important for adults to supervise children.

"(Fireworks) are intended for use by adults in open spaces, and children should watch from a safe distance," said Cherie Sage, state director of Safe Kids Kansas.

Ahlstedt said there are a few fireworks that children can use, with the help of adults, with snappers being the most popular.

"If they're not big enough to throw them, set them on the ground and let them step on them," Ahlstedt said.

The safest way to ignite fireworks is to use a punk.

"Lay the fireworks down and light them," Ahlstedt said. "They can backfire, so always light them in front of you and get far away."

He also said it is essential to have a metal bucket nearby to properly dispose of the fireworks.

"Never put your firecrackers in the grass," Ahlstedt said.

There are various other tips, such as never throw a lit firework, don't hold a Roman candle, and don't hover directly over a lit firework.

"One of the things that people forget is to respect others," Ahlstedt said. "You wouldn't want me to throw a firecracker at your feet, so don't do it to others."

That's going to cost you

A person is liable for any damage he causes to property that is not his own.

"If you start a field on fire, you're paying for it," Speaks said. "If you start a house on fire, you're building that person a new house."

Speaks said that since fireworks haven't been legally available in Saline County for some time, problems could crop up. People just need to use common sense.

"It's simple, really," he said. "Think before you shoot."

n Reporter Courtney Looney can be reached at 823-6464, ext. 153 or by e-mail at clooney@salina.com.

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SnapCracklePop says....
I love Mr. A's fireworks! I saw the back of his shirt and it says something like, "If you see me running, try to keep up!" Bwahaha
7/1/2009

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