Guest: Kids are taught not to play with fire, but that's what we're doing with fireworks
I won’t be disappointed one bit if fireworks are ever prohibited across the nation, setting aside the ever-present dangers they pose to life and limb. Fireworks can go out with a big bang, in my view.
To date, Massachusetts is the only state with a ban on fireworks. However, “professionals,” whatever that means, are allowed to use them in approved displays.
In three states, Illinois, Ohio and Vermont, it’s OK to fire up wire or wood snappers, stick sparklers and snakes.
Other states are addressing fireworks safety concerns with their own rules. Some have imposed purchasing requirements on fireworks; others set an age limit on who can purchase them and when. It’s a scary thought, but children as young as 12 can legally purchase fireworks in some states.
Wait a minute. Oh, my gosh! I just researched my home state fireworks rules and found that youngsters can purchase fireworks here. I can follow up that alarming statistic by stating each of the states I have lived in over the years do allow fireworks with some restrictions.
As an aside, there should only be one place in the nation where fireworks are allowed. That’s the District of Columbia, which now allows what are called “safe and sane” fireworks like sparklers, fountains and other novelty fireworks. A widespread fireworks ban should not include Washington, D.C., provided training is available to those who light up the night with fireworks. It’s just not a celebration without fireworks as a background for the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument on certain days of the year.
There is some good news for fireworks haters. It appears all states prohibit the use of M-80s or cherry bombs because of their explosive content. Interestingly, that’s about all we shot off as kids!
When researching fireworks, I landed on a site that addresses the task of keeping track of the fireworks legalities state by state. It advises that fireworks users ask appropriate local agencies for information on local rules. Sound advice.
Now this comes as no surprise. The website I used for my research is called Red Apple. Go figure. It promotes and sells fireworks and encourages folks to stock up on their favorite fireworks. The site says using fireworks can be fun, safe, legal enjoyment.
I agree, to a certain extent. Fireworks, when used properly and if everyone knows the rules, can be great fun. But who bothers checking out the safety precautions that are recommended? We often just head out at dusk and fire away to celebrate our nation’s independence or a life’s milestone.
It’s sad, but I’ll bet many of us can recall a frightening fireworks experience that remains in our memory bank, reminding us to take precautions.
I remember one neighborhood Fourth of July when a child had fireworks explode too close for comfort. That experience struck terror for my dad who shared his story of being temporarily blinded as a child with fireworks.
Interestingly, he did allow his own grandchildren to light sparkler sticks, if they stood a prescribed distance from one another. When the sparkler went out, the kids had to place the hot stick in a nearby bucket of water. Even the sound of that fizzle was somewhat entertaining for the grands.
A water bucket for hot sparklers is a grand idea. But how about also hooking up a flowing garden hose nearby during the fireworks demonstration just to be sure.
As children, we are taught not to play with fire, yet that’s exactly what we are doing when fireworks are around. Boom! Boom!
Andrea Chancellor has more than 20 years in newspaper and magazine journalism and 20 years in public relations.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Guest: Fireworks can be fun, but they are just too dangerous
