William Swope Jr. hopes that a sagging economy will discourage the sale of fireworks in Kentucky. If so, Independence Day will be much safer.
For the record, Swope is the state fire marshal. He recognizes that even John Adams — one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and our second president — suggested that Independence Day be celebrated with “games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of the continent to the other from this day forward for ever more.” However, Swope would prefer that the “illuminations” be limited to fireworks displays conducted by professionals who know what they are doing.
For one thing, Swope correctly says a “pyrotechnics show” like the one on Ashland’s riverfront Friday night “is a much more exciting experience than setting off fireworks at home.” But more importantly, shooting off fireworks in the backyard “carry substantial risks for little reward,” Swope said.
In 2007, hospitals across the nation treated nearly 10,000 people injured by home fireworks. More than 90 percent of the injuries were caused by legal fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
And injuries are not the only problem caused by home firework. The NFPA reports that there are more fires in the United States on Independence Day than any other day of the year, with most fires caused by fireworks. In 2005, the latest year in which figures are available, fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires.
However, simply citing statistics about their hazards is unlikely to convince many from purchasing fireworks for their own backyard displays. That’s because we tend to think that those who are injured or start fires with firecrackers are reckless fools who didn’t know what they were doing. We, on the other hand, are convinced we can set off fireworks safely.
Thus, many are hoping that the sagging economy accomplishes what safety precautions do not. Instead of spending $50 or more for fireworks that can be set off in a matter of minutes, they may opt to save their money and take in the pyrotechnics on the riverfront.
However, for those who insist on having their own backyard displays, Swope offer the following advice:
-- Always read and observe label directions.
-- Remember to keep water handy.
-- Always have an adult present.
-- Never re-light a “dud” firework.
-- Don’t give fireworks, including sparklers, to small children.
-- Stay away from dry vegetation.
Editorials
A safer July 4th
Backyard fireworks are cause of many holiday injuries
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Focus on music
There will be no new trophies for winning marching band competitions for the Boyd County High School band. Nor will band members be spending as many summer days in the hot sun in band camp and autumn Saturdays taking long bus drives to compete in band festivals in distant communities.
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Memorial Day
Unlike our other wars, the American people were never asked to sacrifice for the war in Iraq and the one still ongoing in Afghanistan. They have been wars fought by an all-voluntary military and by the “weekend soldiers” in the National Guard and in the Army, Navy and Air Force Reserve
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Still more cuts
If you believe the cuts mandated by the two-year state budget that will take effect July 1 will have little impact on services, consider this.
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Earmarks again?
Immediately, following the midterm elections of 2010 which saw Republicans regain control of the House of Representatives and capture seats in the U.S. Senate, Republican leaders in Congress announced they had heard the voice of the voters and vowed to cease using “earmarks,” the name given to appropriations slipped into bills by influential legislators without a vote.
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Best in the nation
It may surprise many readers that Newsweek’s “best high school in America” is located right here in Kentucky and is open to selected students throughout the state, but then the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green is hardly your typical high school. In fact, it would be impossible for even the best public high schools to emulate the amazing success of students at the Gatton Academy.
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After the vote
We offer today a few reflections on the messages voters sent in Tuesday’s primary election in Kentucky.
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A mild winter
As we approach the Memorial Day weekend, long hailed as the unofficial start of the summer vacation season, we pause to reflect upon the winter that wasn’t.
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Devices banned
Emergency breathing devices that tests have proven unreliable are being phased out under a directive issued by the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. However, MSHA has given mine operators more than 18 months to remove all the air packs from underground mines.
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A free weekend
In an effort to promote increased recreational use of the two lakes in the Daniel Boone National Forest, the U.S. Forest Service will offer free fishing and boating during the first weekend in June.
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Ho-hum election
Psst! Want to know a secret? There’s a primary election Tuesday. And it’s right here in Kentucky! However, there has been so little interest in this election, that Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes, the state’s top election official, is predicting that only betwixen 10 and 12 percent of the state’s eligible voters will take the time to go to the polls tomorrow.
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