Fireworks Show

Practice Fireworks Safety

Grand Island city code permits the use of fireworks beginning June 28th, at 8:00 AM.

As Fourth of July festivities begin, Grand Island Regional Medical Center reminds everyone to celebrate safety and use caution with fireworks.

Last year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries linked to fireworks misuse and malfunction. Of those injuries, 1,300 involved sparklers.

Children and young adults age 15 to 24 accounted for the largest share of injuries, and burns to the hands, fingers and head were most common. Many of the most severe incidents involved devices that tipped over, malfunctioned or were used too close to people.

Please consider the following safety tips to assure a safe celebration:

  • Purchase legal, consumer fireworks from a reputable retailer. Never use homemade, altered or illegal fireworks. Follow the instructions on the label.

  • Keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at a temperature of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Keep water nearby. Use a bucket of water or a garden hose in case of fire, or to soak used fireworks.

  • Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

  • Light one firework oat a time, then move away quickly. Never lean over a firework while lighting the fuse. 

  • Don't relight a "dud". Wait at least 20 minutes, then soak it thoroughly in water before disposing of it.

  • Never aim, throw or point fireworks at people, animals or buildings. Never hold, wear or attach fireworks to your body or clothing. Use fireworks only as instructed by the manufacturer.
  • Celebrate safely. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a public fireworks display in the community!

If you experience an injury relating to fireworks, we are ready to care for you in our Emergency Department. Our Emergency Department is located at 3533 Prairieview Street in Grand Island. Our emergency entrance is located on the west side of our facility, look for the red flags and illuminated EMERGENCY sign.

SOURCE: Consumer Product Safety Commission