Here is some information regarding fireworks safety, tips, and the Watertown City Ordinance regarding them. Here are some facts, figures, and safety tips regarding fireworks and 4th of July safety tips.
City of Watertown Ordinance for Fireworks...........
13.0303: FIREWORKS No person shall discharge or set off any firecracker, skyrocket, Roman candle, torpedo or other kind of fireworks or pyrotechnic display, except when the same is permitted by Order or Proclamation of the Mayor of this City. Each act of discharging or setting off any article of fireworks or pyrotechnic display shall be a separate offense, except it shall be legal to discharge such fireworks in the area annexed to the City by Resolution Y-1832 on the Fourth of July and during the period beginning at dusk on December 28th and extending through 10:00 p.m. on January 1st. (E-679) (Ord. 11-26 Rev 12-02-11)
The City of Watertown also has an ordinance regarding open burning. SKY LANTERNS fall under this ordinance, and CANNOT be legally lit at any time within the City Limits.
The City of Watertown, South Dakota, prohibits the use of fireworks within the city limits with the exception of sparklers, snakes, and other fireworks that do not have an audible report, projectile, or launching component. If a police officer observes the fireworks being discharged, he or she can issue an immediate citation, up to $160.
Fireworks can be lit within the High Water Mark Boundaries of Lake Kampeska on July 4th, 2015.
FIRE WORKS SAFETY AND FACTS:
* In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
* In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2014 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.
* The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.
On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Here are a few tips to decrease the chance of injuries from fireworks.
* Safety glasses should be worn by anyone using fireworks, or in the area of fireworks being used. These can be purchased locally, and it just takes some planning to buy them ahead of time.
* Adults should always be in charge of the lighting of fireworks.
* Have a water supply in the area where the fireworks are being used. Do not use fireworks in really dry areas.
* If fireworks do not go off, never pick them up, soak them with water and let them sit for 30 minutes.
* Never shoot off fireworks in an enclosed container or glass bottle.
* Sparklers are some of the most dangerous fireworks you can buy, especially for young children. They can exceed temperatures over 2000 degrees.
* Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
* Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
If you or someone you are with are injured and need medical attention call 911. If you have a general question regarding fireworks safety or use please call Watertown Fire Rescue at 1.605.882.5029 or the Watertown Police Department at 1.605.882.6210.