While a dazzling, professional fireworks display presented by the Wessington Springs Volunteer Fire Department will be launched from the scenic overlook above the city park at dusk on July 4, local law enforcement realize that folks in the community may want to celebrate the holiday by setting off their own stow of legal fireworks.
To ensure that the community enjoys a safe Fourth of July, Jerauld County Sheriff Jason Weber reminds area residents and visitors to Jerauld County communities to heed firework laws and ordinances this Independence Day holiday.
“Be respectful of your neighbors and community by only setting off fireworks in the time frames allowed by the city and state ordinances,” says Weber.
According to South Dakota Codified Law 34- 37-16.1, fireworks are permitted June 27 to the first Sunday after July Fourth. Locally, the Towns of Alpena and Lane and Jerauld County outside of city limits follows the state statute for fireworks.
In the City of Wessington Springs, fireworks permitted in Title 7, Chapter 6, Section 1 may be used on private property within the City of Wessington Springs from 4 p.m. to 12 p.m. from June 28 through the first Sunday after July 4.
“Be mindful and respectful of your neighbors,” Weber said, adding that individuals setting off fireworks should also clean up their fireworks debris. “If they go up, they have to come back down, and often land in your neighbor’s property.”
Fireworks Safety Tips: If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks
Sparklers Are Dangerous
Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.
Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers or colored streamers.
