West Memphis, Ark. — After a Nashville boy died in a fireworks-related accident, experts in the area shared safety tips with WREG.
“We’ve had quite a bit of business so far. It’ll really pick up on the second, the third, and the fourth,” said Will Nowell, who manages American Fireworks in West Memphis, Arkansas.
Nowell said the mid-south is getting ready for fireworks this weekend.
WREG asked him about safety tips after a 12-year-old boy died in Nashville. A firework reportedly exploded in his hand and hit him in the chest.
“They can be 100 percent safe as long as people are being vigilant or watchful or especially with children allowing them to be really supervised,” Nowell said.
Nowell gives his customers lighting sticks to help them distance themselves from the spark.
He also suggested reading the packaging closely. Many fireworks have specific instructions about supervision of children.
WREG bought some small fireworks and drove to the West Memphis Fire Department.
Firefighters told WREG it is legal to shoot of fireworks in West Memphis during certain hours between now and July 19th.
People age 13 and older may shoot fireworks between noon and 10 p.m. during those dates. On July 4th, they may shoot fireworks from noon to midnight.
“We have more structure fires and more grass fires this time of year than any other time of year,” said Lt. Roger Lancaster.
He says there are ways people can protect themselves and firefighters.
“Sparklers are what most parents feel are the safest firework for their kids. They cause 41 percent of all firework injuries,” Lancaster said.
He said to light fireworks on concrete and keep spectators 25 feet back.
He said to light fireworks on the ground, not in one’s hands.
He suggested keeping a bucket with water nearby to dump cooled fireworks in.
At last check, Shelby County said it required special use permits for fireworks to be shot in the county.
