Focus on safety for all during July 4th holiday weekend.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and Safe Kids Kansas remind Kansans of the importance of safety this Independence Day.
READ: Salina Police Department: Don't shoot fireworks here
Make sure your gatherings are safe for everyone by following public health guidance regarding COVID-19 and following safety recommendations for fireworks and outdoor grills, the organizations noted.
Fireworks
In 2020, there were a total of 180 injuries caused by fireworks in Kansas, an increase from 2019. The person igniting the firework was most likely to be injured and hands were the most common body part to be injured.
More than half of injuries occurring from fireworks happened on the 4th of July and most persons received burns. The majority of injuries occurred to those between the ages of 25 and 34; but there was also an increase in injuries to those between the ages of 45 and 54. The highest number of injuries were caused by mortars or artillery fireworks.
Data was collected through voluntary reporting from Kansas hospitals and administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.
“Remember that fireworks are explosives and should be handled with care,” said Cherie Sage, director of Safe Kids Kansas, said. “Children should not light fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass. We encourage parents to let their little ones use glow sticks instead of sparklers and leave the rest to grownups.”
Other tips include:
●Have adults supervise around grills and fireworks
●Designate a child-free safety zone around areas where fireworks are being ignited
●Have a water supply near fireworks
●Have a first-aid kit on hand, and make sure its contents are updated and ready to use
●Only ignite fireworks outdoors
●Light only one firework at a time
●Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
●Never attempt to make your own fireworks
●Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
●Dispose of used fireworks carefully, as they may reignite
Grilling
Grilling is another favorite part of many 4th of July gatherings. Make sure grills are used outdoors only, away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Have a water supply near your grill.
Keep children and pets away from the grill area and make sure your grill area is always supervised by an adult. Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.
“We want everyone to have a fun and safe celebration on Independence Day,” Doug Jorgensen, State Fire Marshal, said. “Taking a few simple precautions if you’re lighting off fireworks or grilling can ensure that your family and friends are safe and injury free this fourth of July. If possible, go to a public fireworks display, and let the trained professionals handle the risks.”
Pets
The Fourth of July may be a fun and noisy celebration for many people, but a Kansas State University veterinarian says that's not the case for some pets.
"This holiday is often a time filled with fear and anxiety for some pets — and it can also be a dangerous time for them as well," said Susan Nelson, clinical professor at the K-State Veterinary Health Center, a part of the College of Veterinary Medicine. "It is best to speak to your veterinarian now about medication options if needed, especially since the majority of fireworks will be set off over the weekend this year when your veterinarian’s office will likely be closed."
Nelson offers some tips to help keep pets safe this holiday. The first: Keep your pet indoors for the most part, and under leash control when you do need to take them outside.
"The sound of fireworks can make some pets run off in an attempt to get away from the noise," Nelson said. "In fact, this is the time of year with the highest incidence of runaway pets, so be sure to keep them secure."
Besides getting lost, Nelson said there is also the risk of pets getting hit by a car because their fear of fireworks will make them less observant of oncoming traffic. She recommends making sure your pet has some type of ID, such as a tag and/or microchip, in case it should get lost. Ideally, it should have both.
Nelson said keeping your pet inside also keeps it safe from those people who may try to harm an animal with fireworks.
"Many dogs will appreciate being in the safe confines of their crate and will do fine if allowed to stay there," Nelson said. "A secure room may also work as well. Be sure to close the blinds or use heavy curtains to block out the flashes of light."
Nelson also suggests the following to help calm a pet who gets rattled by loud noises:
●Play soothing music or turn on the TV or white noise machine in an attempt to block out the loud crackles and booms.
●Trying an anxiety wrap specially made for pets may help calm those with mild anxiety.
●Using over-the-counter medications made for anxious pets may benefit those with mild to moderate noise anxiety.
●Consider temporarily relocating your pet to a quieter friend/relative's house or kennel during this time.
●Talk to your veterinarian about prescription anti-anxiety medications if your pet has a severe noise phobia. Several different medications are available to help treat anxiety due to loud noises. Have the medication ready to give on the first day that fireworks are allowed to begin in your community.
Just as with young children, Nelson said it is important to keep dangerous items out of your pet's reach and not apply products on pets that aren't labeled for safe use on them.
"These include lighters, punks, matches, lighter fluid, glow jewelry, citronella candles/oils, insect coils and repellants and fireworks, both unlit and lit," Nelson said.
Even if your dog is not bothered by fireworks, Nelson said it is still subject to being burned or injured by fireworks if it gets too close or attempts to retrieve one that has been ignited. Many fireworks also contain toxic chemicals if ingested.
Another product to avoid using on pets can be some insect repellants, Nelson said.
"Mosquitoes are often out in force this time of year, but don't be tempted to spray your pet with insect repellants that contain DEET as it is toxic for them," she said. "Only apply insect repellants that state they are safe to use on pets."
Human foods and beverages also pose dangers to pets.
"Pets often experience vomiting and/or diarrhea when given foods they are not used to eating," Nelson said. "And some foods, such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, grapes or raisins, coffee, salt and yeast-based bread dough are all potentially toxic for your pet."
When ingested, fatty foods can lead to life-threatening pancreatitis, while corncobs, bones and wooden barbeque skewers can cause blockage of the intestinal tract if swallowed. Nelson also said to keep any foods or candies sweetened with artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol, out of reach as they can be toxic to pets.
Another no-no for pets is alcoholic beverages.
"Keep the beer and wine out of their reach," Nelson said.