Have fun with fireworks, but do so safely

Sunday morning dawned bright and early with the "pop-pop-p0p" associated with America's birthday.

Thanks to new, tighter restrictions on the sale of fireworks in Nebraska, there's still plenty of time to celebrate the Fourth of July while providing less irritation for pets and those of us who prefer peace and quiet.

McCook city ordinances allow the sale of fireworks from June 23-July fifth, and blowing off those fireworks from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 23-July 3, 8 to 12 p.m. July 4 and prohibits fireworks after 11:59 p.m. July 5.

Fireworks also are allowed 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. New Year's Eve, or for other events -- like McCook High School touchdowns -- by obtaining a free special permit at the police department.

There is good reason to tighten up the use of fireworks.

Safe Kids USA reports an estimated 2,600 children ages 14 and under require emergency treatment each year for injuries during fireworks season.

The emergency department at Children's Hospital & Medical Center in Omaha reported 11 children treated for fireworks-related injuries, four of them age 5 and younger, they suffered partial thickness (second degree) burns caused by sparklers. Five children, ages 6 to 10, had injuries ranging from partial thickness burns to corneal abrasion which caused partial loss of vision.

Two other injuries involved adolescent boys who suffered partial thickness burns from holding a homemade smoke bomb and an artillery shell. We're sure emergency rooms across the state could tell similar stories.

"The hands, head and face are especially susceptible to injury," warns Dr. Thomas Deegan, emergency department physician and associate director of trauma at Children's Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha. "Fireworks burn very hot and are unpredictable. Even a brief touch can cause a serious problem. Sparklers, for example, don't explode, but can reach temperatures higher than 1,000 degrees."

Children's offers these tips to help families celebrate safely:

Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.

Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.

Keep all children under close supervision, in sight and within reach, when they are near fireworks.

Light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces that are a safe distance away from guests.

Do not try to re-light or pick up a firework that did not go off.

Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby to douse any flames.

Teach children what to do if their clothing catches fire -- "Stop, Drop, and Roll" -- and how to call 911 in an emergency.

In the event of a burn, run cool water over the affected area until the pain subsides and the skin cools, then loosely cover the burn with a sterile gauze pad. Do not apply lotion, ointment or oils. If the pain does not subside, or if blisters develop, it is important to seek medical care. Burns to the face or injuries to the eyes should be treated immediately in the emergency department.

As we always contend, the safest and best way to enjoy fireworks is to take in a public display, such as the ones sponsored by the McCook Optimists at the Red Willow County Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July, or at the display in your town.