Missouri - This Independence Day millions of American will celebrate with fireworks! The city of Dexter will host their annual Fireworks Display at dusk on Friday, July 3rd with a rain make-up date of Sunday, July 5th.
The state of Missouri has few regulations on the purchase and use of fireworks; however your local county or city may have ordinances banning certain fireworks or have specific time they are to be used.
In Missouri seasonal retailers may sell from June 20th until July 10th. State permits should be displayed at all seasonal retail.
According to the National Fire Protection Agency in 2010 fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
The Missouri Office of the Fire Marshal suggests fireworks users follow a few safety guidelines:
-Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer
-Always wear eye protection and earplugs if you have sensitive ears
-Tie back long hair and don’t wear loose fitting clothes
-Only light one firework item at a time
-Never try to re-light any fireworks that have malfunctioned
-Never throw or point fireworks at other people
-Never have any part of your body over fireworks
-Keep young children away from fireworks
-Never carry fireworks in your pockets
-Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can
-Always have a bucket of water on hand
-Don’t drink alcohol and use fireworks
-Use a “designated shooter”
