Following firework safety tips will ensure a happy Fourth of July for all, local officials say

The land of the free and the home of the brave deserves a celebration with the rockets' red glare and the bombs bursting in air. That's how many people feel about the Fourth of July as Americans prepare for the annual celebration of the country's independence.

But for parents, it's also time to prepare for safety's sake. This holiday can be both enjoyable and safe.

Fire Prevention Division Chief Fred Hotz is in charge of fire safety for Grand Island. One of his jobs is to enforce safety standards at fireworks stands and make sure they are selling legal fireworks. He says local firefighters average at least 10 calls a day, but during fireworks season they get more calls than ever.

Hotz says packages of fireworks are inspected by the state fire marshal's office to ensure they meet safety standards. He said fireworks need to be used as they are designed. Fireworks should not be altered, as you can never be sure what they might do, Hotz said.

Hotz says fireworks were never designed for children. It is assumed that a responsible adult will shoot them off. It is serious, as a person could lose an eye or start a fire. There is no legal age to shoot fireworks off in Nebraska -- it is left to parents to determine if their children are capable of shooting them off.

Parents should not assume that a child is old enough to know better. Experts suggest families enjoy time together as parents supervise children. Remember -- one indiscretion by them can cause a lifetime of regret.

The worst offenders in the past were "pop bottle rockets." These fireworks were available for years, and it was found that they caused fires in older buildings. Because there were enough problems with them, lawmakers outlawed them. They are tested to land cold, not hot, when shot off, but they usually are tested in an ideal situation and not in an area where there are buildings, combustibles and grass. With all the rain this year, grass will be tall and fire can spread.

Jerry Anderson is the former longtime owner of Skate Island and a former fireworks stand owner who sold fireworks for more than 20 years in Grand Island. He said he always sold safe fireworks and never had issues. He did add that one prankster came and shot off a huge homemade firework once at the stand. It caused a lot of commotion, with orange flame and a lot of smoke. No one caught the prankster, but it caused quite a stir at the stand by Skagway North.

Monte Hack of Hack Insurance remembered the prank. He mentioned that as an insurer he has not had any claims related to fireworks -- yet.

Sparklers seem to be the firework of choice for children. Almost every year you see feature pages with children holding sparklers. Hotz cautions, "If they are placed in the hands of a small child, people don't think of what they can do. They can put an eye out, they can burn at a very high temperature. They are not as harmless as people think. After they are burnt, they are still very hot." He suggests putting them in a bucket of water after burning to ensure they are safely put out.

The number one fire type that the fire department deals with every year is grass fires. Kids play with matches because they have them, which can result in fires. It destroys the message in one week that he tries to put out all year long, Hotz said. One way to cut down on this is to cut down your lawn. With less to burn there is less chance of a stray spark igniting the grass.

This year fireworks are available for purchase and shooting through July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and until midnight on the fourth.