MHP and Oskaloosa Fire Remind Residents About Fireworks And Safety

Bottle Rockets screaming skyward are a common sight in Iowa during the 4th of July holiday

Oskaloosa, Iowa – It’s not uncommon to drive along just about any road in the area during the Independence Day holiday and see bursts of colors in the air, or to hear the crackle of a string of firecrackers echoing down the street.

July is Fireworks Safety Month, and Mahaska Health Partnership is urging the public to, “celebrate Independence Day by leaving the lightshow to professionals.”

“Each year, around 6,000 Americans spend their 4th of July in emergency rooms due to firework-related injuries,” MHP Emergency Services Chief Medical Officer Matt Whitis, MD, explained. “Most fire-work related injuries occur during the one-month period around Independence Day.”

It is illegal to sell, use or explode fireworks in the state of Iowa. Fireworks include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets and roman candles. However, fireworks can be displayed if an individual, organization or association is granted a permit. Certain “novelty items” and sparklers are permitted.

“Sparklers with wire or wooden sticks are allowed in Iowa, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get hurt using them,” Whitis advises. “Extreme caution should be taken whenever fire is involved.”

According to the National Council of Fireworks Safety, careless use of fireworks causes nearly 10,000 injuries a year in the United States; close to 2,000 of those injuries are eye-related involving children under the age of 15. The council advises that only people over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any kind.

“Celebrate our nation’s heritage safely on the Fourth of July,” says Whitis. “We want you to spend the holiday with your loved ones, not in the emergency room.”

The Oskaloosa Fire Department’s Adam Haroldson was asking residents to stay safe around fireworks. “Iowa code 727.2 states that the only legal fireworks in Iowa are sparklers, snakes and caps. Even though sparklers are legal they should be used with extreme caution and supervision. A sparkler burns at over 1200 degrees and can burn you without warning. All other fireworks should be left to the professionals.”

You might want to check on your insurance policy as well. Some homeowners insurance will cover any accidental damage caused by illegal fireworks, while other policies may not. A call to your insurance agent may be in order before lighting the fuse on your holiday weekend.

If you have any other questions regarding fireworks, you can contact the Oskaloosa Police Department or the Oskaloosa Fire Department.