Andie Balenger | Daily Press Nate Wong, wearing the Escanaba baseball cap, assists a customer looking to purchase fireworks. Wong has been selling fireworks to Delta County residents for the past eight years, his firework tent located annually in the Elmer’s County Market parking lot. Safety is a top priority of Wong’s when selling fireworks, ensuring that each customer knows how to properly handle the wide variety of fireworks he offers before selling.

ESCANABA — With firework use expected to rise as Independence Day celebrations near, it is important to acknowledge and abide by the rules that regulate firework use within city limits. These rules are put in place to protect yourself, your neighbors, and your city from the potential risks that accompany firework use, especially if done so irresponsibly.

“[Escanaba Public Safety] is expecting to be busy on the Fourth of July weekend. It is a holiday so there will be more people in town,” Captain Marc Zawacki of Escanaba Public Safety said. “I encourage everyone to look at the ordinance regarding fireworks. It spells out what is and is not allowed during the holiday.”

The Escanaba City Ordinance addresses the use of fireworks in Section 18-212, where it categorizes fireworks into five unique categories: Consumer fireworks, low impact fireworks, articles pyrotechnic, display fireworks, and special effects. While low impact fireworks, like hand-held sparklers, are permitted for legal use year-round, all other categories are limited to particular days, times, or expressed permission events.

“It is very important to express caution and obviously have adult supervision when using fireworks,” Zawacki said. “Even with the low impact fireworks, you should always handle fireworks with caution.”

Consumer fireworks include those that are sold to and used by the general public. While their explosive power is much weaker when compared to articles pyrotechnic and display fireworks, they should still be used with extreme caution. Consumer fireworks are only permitted to be used on or around federal holidays. For the 4th of July, the city ordinance allows consumer firework use from June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. on each of those days.

“Most importantly, I encourage everyone to be courteous of their neighbors throughout the holiday weekend,” Zawacki said. “It is important to respect them when using fireworks.”

Additionally, consumer and low-impact fireworks are prohibited from being used on public, school, or church property unless a person’s or organization’s express permission is granted. Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to obtain and use fireworks, and those found in violation of the Escanaba City Ordinance will receive a $1,000 civil fine.

Nate Wong has been selling fireworks to Delta County residents for the past eight years. Located underneath the red and white tent in the Elmer’s County Market parking lot, Wong’s top priority when selling to locals is making sure they are comfortable around his products. This process includes showing customers how to handle and light each firework before selling.

“We always show clients safety measures when we are selling to them, especially with shells and things like that,” Wong said. “I like to walk people through the process of loading and launching a firework because they are inherently dangerous.”

Tasked with compiling a variety of fireworks to create display shows for customers, Wong ensures that buyers are familiar with the different consumer and low impact fireworks he has selected for them. This includes opening packaging and letting customers feels the wicks and other components of the fireworks. Building familiarity with these products helps customers feel safe when the time comes to light.

“I always keep a launch tube on hand, and I show clients how I drill them into pallets so they are secure when in use. I will show them things like that,” Wong said. “Sometimes accidents happen with fireworks, but usually it is when people are using them how they are not intended to be used.”

The emergency department at OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group tends to be very busy over the holiday weekend, with local residents and downstate travelers visiting the ER with minor to severe firework injuries. The number of incidents varies from five to 10 every year, with the level of severity spanning from first degree burns to life threatening injuries.

“The injuries vary extensively, from first and second degree burns to life and limb threatening serious injuries, especially with the misuse of high powered holiday shells and mortars,” Dr. Christopher Faber, trauma medical director in the emergency department at OSF, said.

Faber recommends that those who plan to use fireworks over the weekend should avoid large holiday displays or mortars. While they do provide a spectacular holiday show, they are oftentimes unpredictable and volatile. While these consumer fireworks are legal to obtain, they are not always safe.

“Fireworks are explosives. It’s that simple. While they may dazzle us with a light show or big boom, people need to respect the inherent danger they pose,” Faber said. “Even sparklers can cause third degree burns if used improperly or without caution.”

OSF HealthCare St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group has released a list of several safety precautions that can help protect firework users over the holiday weekend. While handling, it is important to wear protective eye gear and clear the surrounding area of people and pets. If a firework looks dysfunctional, or did not launch after igniting, do not re-light them. In case of an emergency, a garden hose or other water supply should be on hand. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited when using fireworks.

“Overall, the responsibility lies with the end user. Know where the firework will go and how powerful it is, understand the concussive blast and fire dangers and the ballistic effects of the firework, and do not use overpowered mortars or large display balls as they tend to pose the most dangers,” Faber said. “Even small fireworks can be devastating to fingers, hands, limbs, or eyes.”

For more information regarding firework use, the Escanaba City Ordinance can be found at www.escanaba.org.