Be Safe This July 4th, Wichita

The July 4th holiday is officially upon us. That means barbecues, cookouts, days off and, for many Americans, the need to pay closer attention to safety.

Fireworks can bring great fun to the celebration but they also bring great danger. Ten thousand people in the United States will be injured this year by fireworks according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, two-thirds of those people during the July 4th “season.” In fact, the National Fire Protection Association estimates fireworks to start almost 2,000 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires annually. These fires could cost as much as $40 million in direct property damage.

But here in Wichita, our area has been notably prone to firework accidents. As shared by the Wichita Fire Department to the Eagle, 2006 was considered a dangerous year for firework celebrations, sending 60 citizens to Wichita emergency rooms, and causing a grand total of $160,000 in fire damages. In 2007, the number of injuries decreased to 38 due to rainy weather. However, 2008 is predicted to be especially risky, with an already three firework-related blazes amounting to $90,000 in damages just days before the actual July 4 holiday.

The Union that represents the Wichita Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 135, says that the department has stretched resources, especially during the July 4th weekend, and urges people to make sure their celebrations, families, homes and communities are safe.