The rain dampened many Independence Day celebrations and now some Iowans have sacks full of unused firecrackers and other things that go boom in the night. Fire safety expert Ryan Lock says taking a few precautions now can help prevent problems later, and it starts with properly storing any leftover fireworks.
Lock says improper storage can increase the risk of fires and injuries. He says the summer heat can create problems when fireworks are left in garages, sheds, vehicles, and other areas that can get extremely hot.
If you don’t want to save those fireworks for another day, Lock says you shouldn’t just throw them in the trash.
State health officials say the number of fireworks injuries in Iowa has more than doubled since fireworks were legalized for sale here in 2017, with many more children being hurt and more people needing amputations.
