Use common sense with fireworks

With Independence Day on Saturday, fireworks will become a hot commodity for the next couple of days. As people buy them, fire officials ask everyone to be safe as they use them.

Being his second year selling fireworks, Patrick Paulus is familiar with the “safe and sane” policy, the ordinance all fireworks stands have to comply with to sell in Pocatello. That’s why you’ll find a lot of smaller fireworks in his stand and other ones in town.

“We have toys, sparklers– lots of sparklers– the ground blooms, snaps and then a few of the less ‘fireworky’ fireworks,” said Paulus.

Just because they’re smaller doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful, especially with kids.

“Don’t let little children handle things that are beyond their comprehension,” said Assistant Fire Chief of Public Safety Tom Sanford. “Don’t display poor habits in front of children and other people.”

For basic safety, remember not to shoot at homes or tall grasses. If a firecrackers doesn’t go off, don’t investigate, it could be delayed. Also, put out any flames or embers.

In Pocatello, there are a number of areas off-limits to fireworks. That’s because they’re proven to be high-risk areas.

“Three years ago we had the Charlotte Fire and it caused a lot of damage and that wasn’t even due to fireworks. Fireworks itself can be a lot more devastating, especially with the amount of people in crowded areas with limited access to get out,” said Sanford.

At Portneuf Medical Center, the emergency room tends to see around 12 to 15 injuries in the holiday weekend alone. When something does happen, ER staff recommend to get there ASAP.

“Try not to do too much at home, the best thing is to get to the emergency department and get them taken care of quickly,” said Dr. Kurtis Holt, medical director for the ER.

For kids, it’s best not to let them have anything that’s bigger than their arm. Also, both Sanford and Holt stressed alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Fireworks stands will stop selling fireworks after July 4. People can no longer light them a week after the holiday, under Pocatello city code.

You can find a complete list of tips from the Pocatello Fire Department on their Facebook page. You can also find the map of no firework zones here.