How to avoid fireworks injuries this Fourth of July
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Blowin' stuff up is as Fourth of July as Bomb Pops and hot dogs. We get it — 'Merica. But all that explosive fun can have consequences.
Why it matters: Fireworks are a blast, but they're also dangerous, resulting in a lot of injuries every year.
- Here's how you can avoid hurting yourself without avoiding the fun.
By the numbers: In 2024, 328 Missourians went to the hospital for fireworks-related injuries.
- In Kansas, nearly 60 children ages 5-11 had fireworks injuries, more than any other age group in 2024.
In places where it's legal to shoot fireworks, follow these safety tips:
- Keep an emergency water source nearby and stay away from buildings and homes.
- Keep away from lighted fireworks, even if they don't explode right away.
- Never shoot them at or from vehicles, and don't alter them.
Zoom in: Two KCK kids were seriously injured last week in a fireworks explosion, resulting in burns, shrapnel wounds and the loss of a finger, KMBC reported.
Zoom out: Fireworks are illegal in many of the metro's biggest cities, including KCMO, Overland Park and Olathe. Other cities, like KCK, Independence and Lee's Summit, allow limited use during specific days.
- See a full list of local laws, reported by KCTV5.
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What we're watching: The Olathe Fire Department posted a juicy video showing what an M80 and a mortar shell can each do to a watermelon.
- 💬 Travis' thought bubble: I'd hate for that to be me.
The bottom line: With the right planning, legal fireworks can be as easy as 3, 2, 1.