Caution urged as fireworks make their annual appearance

Already the screeches, crackles and pop, pop, pop of fireworks can be heard throughout the city, signaling the approach of the Fourth of July.

The annual celebration is a time for thoughts to turn to our country's independence, and for many the fun of setting off firecrackers, aerials and showers of sparks that go with it.

Along with the fun comes great responsibility as well, and local authorities hope safety is as much a priority as the excitement of setting off fireworks.

"We don't want anyone to get hurt," said Sidney Police Chief Joe Aikens.

To that end, Aikens offers a number of tips to lower the chances for injury free and make the holiday more enjoyable.

Fireworks have been for sale since Monday and sales continue through July 4. Through that time, they can be set off each day until 10 p.m., and until midnight on July 4. The only stiplulation, said Aikens, is that if they cause too big a disturbance to those around, revelers may be asked to stop.

"Please be courteous to your neighbors," Aikens asks. "Not everyone appreciates fireworks, and dogs are especially skittish around the noise."

There are no restrictions as to location within the city, although Parks Superintendent Tom Von Seggern asks that those needing a place to set off fireworks go to the soccer fields rather than the confines of Legion Park. In either case, Von Seggern asks that "people clean up after themselves when they are finished."

Aikens also asked that, if using business lots to set off fireworks, "please make sure it's okay with the owner before you use someone else's property."

Looking at the offerings in fireworks stands, the bang you can get is bigger than ever. Large single and multi-shot displays line the shelves, as do simple roman candles and super-sized fountains. One of the keys to having a good holiday is making sure to use only fireworks legal in Nebraska. Residents sometimes pick up fireworks in other states because they find something they haven't seen locally. But that can lead to trouble.

"The only fireworks legal to use are those sold at stands in Nebraska," Aikens said. Others could lead to confiscation of fireworks, as well as legal troubles as other states may allow and sell fireworks considered illegal explosives in Nebraska.

Not only are using legal fireworks important, but Aikens said using them properly is very important. Aikens said the heat and explosions, not matter how small they might seem, present a danger. He said using proper precautions can reduce the inherent dangers.

Some tips include:

• Use a solid base to shoot fireworks from. Using the street is discouraged, but if the street must be used, clean up trash when done.

• Don't throw fireworks in the air or shoot them from your hand. If they are meant to go into the air, the firework has a built in mechanism of launching.

• Don't throw or shoot fireworks from a vehicle, or shoot or throw fireworks toward vehicles.

• Be aware of your surroundings so that fireworks do not shoot into dry grass or toward buildings. With high temperatures, these areas can be set on fire easily.

• Don't try to relight a "dud" firework that has not fully ignited.

• Don't shoot off fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Always have a responsible adult supervise fireworks activities.

• Do not let young children light or play with fireworks.

• Light fireworks one at a time and then quickly move back to a safe area.

• Be respectful of neighbors and those around you.