Along north U.S. Highway 77, large air-filled animals, brightly colored signs and large tents selling fireworks can be seen in many places, signaling that the Fourth of July is near.
But along with the fun of fireworks comes the need to remember safety.
For some places in the Sunland area, such as Beatrice and Fairbury, the sale and shooting of fireworks is only allowed between July 1-4, but in other parts of the area, fireworks stands are already starting to sell their goods.
Firework stands in Cortland began selling fireworks on June 25 for the Fourth of July holiday, Michelle Walton of Cortland said.
Walton’s stand is among the four fireworks stands in Cortland already selling fireworks. Sales so far have been moderate as the last two days have averaged about 30 to 40 customers, she said.
“I expect a huge jump this weekend,” Walton said. “The third and fourth (of July) you make 60 percent of your profits.”
Not too far from Walton’s stand is a stand run by Joe and Marcia Vinton of Cortland. The stand is a fund-raiser for the Knights of Columbus St. James Council 14320 of Cortland, Joe Vinton said.
“It’s been pretty good,” Vinton said about the sales so far.
This is the second year the Knights of Columbus have used the fireworks stand to raise money.
Specials, like buy one and get four free, have been popular among patrons visiting the tent, he said. They also have a large variety of items to buy, ranging from roman candles to newly legalized fireworks in the state.
There is more competition this year, Vinton said. But he isn’t too worried about it.
“The more tents, the more variety (the people) get,” he said.
Each year people spend thousands of dollars on fireworks.
Annabel Hevelone of Hanover, Kan., said her family buys fireworks every year as they were out purchasing fireworks in Cortland. Her husband and three boys particularly like to shoot off fireworks and she said they gladly spend money purchasing fireworks to set off for the July 4 holiday.
But with all the fun that comes with shooting fireworks, local fire and rescue officials remind residents to remember safety first.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2006 about 92,000 people injured by fireworks were treated in hospital emergency rooms.
There was a report of one emergency room visit to Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center in 2007, Diane Vicars, BCHHC director of marketing, said. In 2006, there were three fireworks-related injuries reported by the ER.
In addition, there was also a report last year of a Blue Springs man who was taken by StarCareV to Lincoln after he suffered injuries when explosive powder he was packing into a large steel tube combusted, according to the Daily Sun.
Out of the 92,000 people treated for firework injuries, the NFPA reported, sparklers, fountains and novelties accounted for 28 percent of all emergency room fireworks injuries. The risk of fireworks injury was 2 1/2 times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
In 2005, an estimated 1,800 structure and 700 vehicle fires were started by fireworks, causing $39 million in direct property damage. On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires.
Beatrice Fire and Rescue asks the public to exercise the following precautions and by having a safe Fourth of July:
n Young children should never play with fireworks. Even sparklers can be very dangerous.
n Sparklers burn at up to 2,000 degrees.
n Keep sparklers away from clothing and faces.
n Sparklers stay hot even after they go out.
n Put used sparklers in a bucket of water or sand.
n The sparks from sparklers can cause fires.
n Sparklers account for one-third of all fireworks-related injuries.
n Purchase fireworks only from a licensed retailer.
n Read and follow all warnings and instructions before lighting fireworks.
n Fireworks should only be used by mature individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
n Do not hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting.
n Keep fireworks away from crowds and do not point or throw fireworks at anyone or anything.
n Always light fireworks in a clear, open area away from buildings and vehicles. Avoid lighting fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush or other flammable materials.
n Never light more than one item at a time.
n Never light fireworks in a container, especially those made of metal, glass or pottery.
n Never try to re-light a firework device that did not go off initially. Wait at least 30 minutes before going near it.
n Only light fireworks outdoors.
n Never experiment with or modify fireworks, or attempt to make your own.
n Keep pets away from fireworks. They can be frightened by the loud noise and bright lights.
n Never smoke while handling fireworks.
n Safety glasses are recommended for individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.
n Keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or a garden hose handy while using fireworks.
n After you are done shooting fireworks, sweep up any debris or unfired fireworks and submerge them in water.
n Keep unused fireworks safely away from the area where you are lighting the fireworks. Store fireworks in a dry, cool place, and never carry fireworks in your pocket.