Cherokee County Sheriff advises on fireworks safety for holidays

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. (KOAM) -- As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is reminding people to stay safe while lighting fireworks.

"Celebrating our independence and freedom is a fun and exciting time for communities across the country, but it can also be a dangerous one," according to Cherokee County Chief Deputy Nate Jones. "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 10,000 injuries and 11 firework related deaths in 2022.  Over 1,300 of those injuries came from firecrackers and 600 from sparklers."

As a way to help reduce the amount of injuries this year, the Sheriff's Office is providing some safety tips :

• Have a "designated shooter" who has not been consuming alcohol or otherwise impaired
• Remember bottle rockets and skyrockets which are mounted on a stick are illegal in the State of Kansas.
• Keep an adequate water supply close by while discharging fireworks.
• Parents should closely monitor children if they are discharging fireworks.
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks or alter those which have been purchased from a vendor.
• Don't position any part of your body over a firework when lighting them.

"We hope everyone has a great and safe time during the upcoming celebration," concluded Chief Deputy Jones.

When fireworks can be discharged:

• Baxter Springs: July 1st until 10:00 p.m. / July 2nd-July 4th until midnight
• Columbus: June 27th - July 4th from 8:00 a.m. to midnight
• Galena: June 27th - July 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. / July 4th and 5th from 9:00 a.m. to midnight
• Weir: June 27th - July 5th from 8:00 a.m. to midnight

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