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HPPR has a great selection of Americana programming for you this fourth of July.00000176-d448-dc2f-ad76-dc4a131e0000Starting Monday morning at 9am, America's Test Kitchen will present all you need to know about a summer holiday tradition: barbecue.At 10 am central, The US Air Force premier band, Airmen of Note will present a program from their Jazz heritage SeriesAt 11, the Capital Steps returns with traditional roast of all this politic.Finally, another holiday tradition returns at 7 pm with A Capital Fourth.

Adult Males, Children Most Common Victims of Fireworks-related Injuries

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HPPR wants our listeners to celebrate safely this Fourth of July, especially if you are an adult male or a child.

According to a press release from Kansas’ Office of the State Fire Marshal, adult males and children under the age of 18 are the most common victims of fireworks injuries - each group representing 40 percent of all reported fireworks-related injuries. 

“While shooting your own fireworks can be a thrill, they can also cause serious injuries and fires if not handled properly,” says Doug Jorgensen, Fire Marshal for the State of Kansas. “The safest approach to enjoying fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals who know how to properly handle fireworks. We want all our Kansas kids to enjoy this summer’s festivities as safely as possible.”

There were 123 reported fireworks-related injuries last year, 39 percent of which were to the hands and 34 percent of which were to the eyes, face and head, according to the Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program.

To help the public celebrate safely, the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Safe Kids Kansas offers the following tips for the safe use of fireworks:

  • Always purchase high quality fireworks from reliable and legitimate sources
  • Always read and follow label directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Always ignite fireworks outdoors
  • Have water nearby
  • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
  • Light only one firework at a time
  • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Never give fireworks to small children
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Dispose of fireworks properly
  • Never throw fireworks at another person
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

In addition, bottle rockets and M80s are dangerous and illegal in the State of Kansas. The use or sale of these banned fireworks is considered a crime under Kansas law.