Everybody wants to have fun this Independence Day. And everybody who works in law enforcement, fire protection or medical services wants to make sure everybody does so safely.
So, a handful of organizations want to let people know how to stay safe on one of the year’s booziest and most explosive holidays.
UCHealth doctors urge community members to celebrate the Fourth of July “smart, not sorry” as Fourth of July celebrations cause an an uptick in emergency department visits each year.
Dr. Tara Hallahan, the medical director at UCHealth Greeley Hospital’s emergency department, said most Fourth of July injuries seen in emergency departments are preventable, according to a UCHealth news release. Yet, this time of year brings in an increased number of people who need emergency care, particularly for fireworks and grilling injuries.
As emergency departments brace for a busy week, Hallahan asks residents to safely and responsibly celebrate by utilizing awareness and caution, especially when children are involved.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 15- to 19-year-olds had the highest estimated rate of fireworks-related injuries treated at emergency departments, and children ages 5-9 years old had the second highest rate.
“Accidents can happen in a split second, so everyone needs to be mindful and alert during their gatherings,” Hallahan said.
Last year, in June and July, an estimated 9,700 people went to emergency departments with firework-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Burns were the most common injury.
Hands and fingers accounted for 35% of fireworks injuries, followed by head, face and ears, then legs and then eyes.
In Colorado, any type of fireworks that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal.
So that means no bottle rockets, roman candles or mortars; not even any spleen splitters, cherry bombs, whisker biscuits, hoosker doos or hoosker don’ts.
In 2022, Greeley took it a step further, making it a misdemeanor offense that carries a fine of $1,000. It also extends to people who willingly allow others to use illegal fireworks on their property, even if they are not the ones lighting the fireworks.
And while the extra regulations mitigate a bit of the fire and safety risk associated with fireworks, UCHealth and several local departments — including Greeley fire, Severance police and the town of Evans — still put out tips to stay safe when lighting fireworks on and around this Independence Day.
Do:
• Always have at least one sober adult supervising fireworks use.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to soak used fireworks before throwing them in the trash.
• Only use store-bought fireworks.
• Remain a safe distance away.
• Wear safety glasses if you are the one lighting the fireworks.
• Attend fireworks shows hosted by towns or organizations to ensure community safety.
Don’t:
• Hold lit fireworks in your hand.
• Use fireworks around any dry bushes or grass.
• Light fireworks indoors.
• Relight a “dud” firework.
A handful local police departments have also made a point that they will be enforcing fireworks rules this year.
“I’ve seen numerous cases where kids have lost fingers or had an eye put out,” Severance Police Chief Ken Chavez said in a Facebook video. “And I don’t want to see that happen again.”
Where to watch safely
The Town of Berthoud will host a 3rd of July Celebration from 5-9:30 p.m. at Waggener Farm Park at 1000 North Berthoud Parkway in Berthoud with live music, inflatables, 17 food trucks, a beer garden and entertainment. Fireworks will occur at dusk.
Another July 3 Celebration will take place 6-10 p.m. Wednesday at Erie Community Park at 450 Powers St., in Erie. The fireworks will go off after 9 p.m. The event will also have food trucks and vendors.
The Town of Keenesburg has a 3rd of July Celebration scheduled for 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Southeast Weld County Fairgrounds at 7758 County Road 59 in Keenesburg. Attendees can expect live music, food and a fireworks show.
The Greeley Stampede will host a firework show on Thursday at Island Grove Regional Park, 501 N. 14th Ave., in Greeley after the Cheap Trick/Romero concert.
The Town of Firestone will celebrate its 22nd Annual 4th of July Celebration on Thursday at Miners Park, 170 Grant Ave. in Firestone. The full day of fun will begin with a parade at 10 a.m. and continue with vendors, a beer garden and entertainment before the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
The Town of Windsor has a fireworks show after 9:15 p.m. Thursday at Boardwalk Park, 100 N. Fifth St., in Windsor. The site will have food trucks and vendors starting at noon under the Boardwalk Park Market Pavilion. The Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra will perform at 7:15 p.m. before the fireworks.
Other threats
Fireworks don’t pose the only threat during the long holiday week. UCHealth reminds the community to take additional precautions with swimming, grilling and being outdoors.
Barbecue grills, another burn risk, should be in safe, open spaces away from flammable materials, the UCHealth release said. Adults should keep children and pets away from the grill, use long-handled tools to avoid burns and always keep a fire extinguisher within reach.
Spikes in people swimming at pools and beaches during the summer months lead to upticks in drowning incidents. Adults should never leave children unattended near water and ensure they wear proper life jackets.
Since many Fourth of July celebrations take place outdoors, people should remember to protect themselves from UV rays with sunscreen and hats, as well as take shade during peak hours, according to the release.
“Our emergency departments across the state are going to be fully staffed and ready to handle any emergency,” Hallahan said. “But I’d rather see everyone taking the necessary precautions and celebrating safely.”
