CULLMAN COUNTY – Independence Day is almost upon us. It’s a time for parades, family get-togethers, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. And that’s where folks can get in trouble.
On the 4th of July, and for two weeks before and after, an average of 250 people per day go to hospitals or emergency rooms for injuries related to fireworks. Firecrackers and reloadable mortar devices are the most common sources of injuries; and, as might be imagined, the fingers are the most commonly injured body parts, followed closely by the face and ears.
The nonprofit National Council on Fireworks Safety and Consumer Products Safety Commission offer the following suggestions for safety around fireworks.
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Do not hold a firework in your hand unless specifically stated in the caution label.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always have water ready, both in a bucket and in a charged hose, if you are using fireworks.
- Have a Designated Shooter for the fireworks and make sure he/she reads the caution label before igniting.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Wear eye protection (safety glasses) whenever using fireworks.
- Never put any part of your body over a firework while lighting.
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Never re-light a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Used fireworks should be soaked with water and placed in a nonflammable trash can outside; several feet away from a house, garage, deck area or anything else flammable.
- Do not use homemade fireworks, professional fireworks or illegal explosives; they can kill you!
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the police or fire department.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
- After purchasing fireworks, always store them in a cool, dry place.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
- Ensure all pets and animals are away from fireworks noise.
- With the rise in stress-related disorders affecting American service men and women, pay special consideration to individuals who may be sensitive to loud noises in proximity to your fireworks show.
Fireworks are allowed in unincorporated parts of the county, and on private property in Hanceville during the evening of July 4.
And if you live in the city of Cullman, Fire Marshal Chris Chafin has a special piece of advice, “Go to a show! Fireworks are illegal in Cullman. Just go see a show and enjoy yourself, and leave the other stuff alone.”
Coming up:
Tuesday, July 4: Cullman Fireworks Festival
The Cullman Fireworks Festival, hosted by Desperation Church, will kick off at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 at Heritage Park. Admission is free.
There will be food, games, music and more. Listen live on WKUL 92.1 or Praise 97.9 for the fireworks show beginning at dark.
Food will be available for purchase from these vendors:
-Heritage Park Concessions: Hotdogs, snacks, shaved ice, drinks, etc.
-Son's Smokehouse: Pulled pork or chicken sandwich w/ chips, pulled pork or chicken nachos, 6 smoked wing snack, ribeye steak sandwich w/ chips and coke products
-Steel City Pops: Gourmet popsicles
-Devil Dawgs: Funnel cakes with assorted toppings, strawberry lemonade and fresh squeezed lemonade
-Repicci's Italian Ice: Italian ice, gelato and drinks
Tuesday, July 4: Fairview Area 16th Annual Freedom Celebration
The Freedom Celebration was started 16 years ago by First Baptist Church of Fairview and is hosted by Fairview area churches, businesses and the Town of Fairview.
This free event starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 at Fairview Community Park.
Singing and activities start at 5 p.m. Fireworks will be at approximately 9 p.m.
Note: Garden City First Baptist Church will not be hosting its annual fireworks show this year. According to Garden City Town Hall, the church hopes to resume the show next year.
Image: WBRC
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