Annual July 4th fireworks display to be held Saturday

Area residents browse fireworks at Wilson's Fireworks of Kennett in preparation of the Independence Day holiday. Staff photo by George Anderson

The City of Kennett will be presenting its annual fireworks display at 9 p.m., on Saturday, July 4, west of where the Kennett Country Club meets the Kennett Airport.

The fireworks display will be handled by Cosmic Inc., of Poplar Bluff, Mo., who have handled the event for the past few years, according to officials.

In case of rain the event's rain date will be Sunday, July 5, at the same time and location.

Kennett Fire Chief John Mallott noted that fireworks would not be allowed during the viewing of the firework display and reminded individuals to use safety precautions as the Kennett Fire Department has already seen one injury due to fireworks this year.

"[Fireworks] can be done in a safe manner and people can enjoy it, it just needs supervision," Mallott said. "Don't go up on misfires, wait a couple of hours then spray the firework with a water hose before picking it up."

City officials also reminded individuals to pick up debris following the event and following their personal firework shows. Also, the officials noted that fireworks would not be allowed to be discharged at Wal-Mart.

The Kennett Fire Department disclosed a list of firework safety tips for the holiday such as:

* Never allowing children to play with or ignite fireworks;

* Reading and following all warnings and instructions on fireworks;

* Being sure that other people are out of range before lighting fireworks;

* Only lighting fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from he house, dry leaves and flammable materials;

* Never trying to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned;

* Keeping a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire;

* Having an adult present while shooting fireworks;

* Buying fireworks from reliable sellers;

* Using fireworks outdoors only;

* Never experimenting or creating your own fireworks;

* Lighting only one firework at a time;

* If necessary, storing fireworks in a cool, dry place;

* Disposing of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can;

* Never throwing or pointing fireworks at other people;

* Never carrying fireworks in your pocket;

* Never shooting fireworks in metal or glass containers;

* Always wearing eye protection while shooting fireworks and never having any part of the body over the firework;

* Staying away from illegal explosives.

Dunklin County Health Department Director, Steve Neal, noted that firework related injuries are most common on and around the holidays associated with firework celebrations, especially July 4. He added that in spite of federal regulations and varying state prohibitions, many types of fireworks are still accessible to the public.

"Consumer fireworks, when used in accordance with their instructions are very safe," Neal said.

He added that adults should always supervise firework activities and never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

"The safest way to prevent firework related injuries is to leave firework displays to trained professionals," Neal said.

Also throughout the holiday weekend, law enforcement will be cracking down on impaired drivers, according to John J. Pastuovic of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashed during the Independence Day holiday period had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in every state, Pastuovic noted. He added that, even more troubling, is the fact that there was a total of 200 traffic-related fatalities, with 44 percent involving a driver or motorcycle rider with a BAC of .08 or higher during this time.

Pastuovic said that the message this holiday weekend is simple and straight forward: "If you drive drunk and get caught, you will be arrested." Offenders can lose their licenses, time from their jobs, and money in high fines and court costs as well as face possible imprisonment, he added.

Kennett Chief of Police, Barry Tate, noted that the Kennett Police Department will be located around the Bootheel Plaza during the firework festivities. Tate also asks citizens to not shoot fireworks towards buildings, power lines, other houses, or people.

"Safety is the main point during the holiday," Tate said.

The Caruthersville Police Department (CPD) noted in a Public Service Announcement that the discharging of fireworks in the city limits of Caruthersville is prohibited by city ordinance #215.210.

The announcement notes that the ordinance was designed for safety, fire prevention, and noise pollution. The summer dry weather increases the danger of a fire starting from fireworks, according to the CPD.

The City of Caruthersville's annual fireworks display will be held Saturday, July 4, beginning at dark. A good location to view the fireworks is form the Caruthersville riverfront/downtown area, the CPD noted. Officials added that the fireworks will be shot from behind the levee, west of the riverfront.

For safety purposes there will be no parking or standing on the levee from the St. Francis Levee District office at 3rd and Truman to behind Caruthersville City Hall, according to the CPD.