NEMR Employees Receive Service Awards

Division of Fire Safety Urges Caution with Fireworks; Drought Conditions Increase Fire Risks as July Fourth Approaches

JEFFERSON CITY

– As drought conditions worsen in Missouri, the Division of Fire Safety is urging Missourians to put fireworks safety first as they prepare for Independence Day celebrations. Over the last three months, the percentage of Missouri considered abnormally dry or in some state of drought has grown from 7.5% to 93.3%, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released June 22.

“Public fireworks displays offer the best sights and are the safest, and this year the fire risk posed by fireworks has increased because of drought conditions in much of Missouri,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “The risk that sparks from fireworks could lead to grass and natural cover fires is elevated this year. These fires can spread rapidly and pose risks to structures as well. We urge everyone to consider local conditions and use extreme caution if they choose to use consumer fireworks.”

Fireworks also pose a risk of injury. According to data collected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, in 2022, 324 people in Missouri sought hospital care related to fireworks; 292 of those people were treated in emergency rooms and released; 32 people were admitted to the hospital.

More than 77% of those fireworks injuries occurred in the threeweek period leading up to and following Independence Day (June 21 to July 11, 2022). During that period, 252 people with fireworks injuries sought hospital treatment in emergency rooms or were admitted for inpatient care.

According to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission analysis, across the nation, at least nine people died from non-occupational fireworks incidents in 2021.

Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should follow these safety tips:

· Confirm fireworks are legal where you live; only purchase fireworks from licensed retailers.

· Only use fireworks in a large open space that is clear of flammable materials. Do not light fireworks in areas where a spark could ignite dry grass, leaves of other flammable materials.

· Always have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.

· Always keep young children away from fireworks; if teens are permitted to handle fireworks, they should be closely supervised by an adult; always wear eye protection.

· Only light fireworks one at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned

· Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.

· Never shoot fireworks off from a glass jar or container.

· Never use fireworks while consuming alcohol.

· Never store fireworks from season to season.

Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri from June 20 to July 10.

Through June 21, the Division of Fire Safety had issued 1,127 permits to seasonal retailers. DFS conducts safety inspections at fireworks retailers, including checking to make sure they sell only legally-permitted consumer fireworks, that they have at least two exits, are equipped with fire extinguishers, and that fireworks tents have been treated with fire retardant chemicals.

About 11,500 people were in incidents involving fireworks across the U.S. in 2021.

Across the nation, July 4th is not only the busiest day of the year for fireworks, it’s the busiest day of the year for fires. About 40 percent of Independence Day structure fires are the result of fireworks, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Across the U.S. in 2018, fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle

Fire Safety ... Cont. to pg. 3

Widad Returns to Bixler 108

Camela Widad will perform at Bixler 108 Listening Room on Friday, June 30. Submitted by Tom Keedy

Singer songwriter Camela Widad returns to the Bixler 108 Listening Room in Unionville, MO on Friday June 30, 2023. From Spring Green, Wisconsin, and having grown up there, she was exposed at an early age to country and blues tinged with a hint of rock and it comes out in her music. Widad is a little bit saintly and a little bit rock and roll with a voice that at times is like honey and at other times like fire. When you are compared to Brandi Carlile, Sheryl Crow and Patsy Cline, there is no doubt that the music world needs to pay attention.

This will be Widad’s third appearance at the Bixler. “Last year Camela closed her show with an acapella version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” that brought the house down and resulted in a standing ovation with the audience asking for more. Judy Garland would have been jealous,” said Tom Keedy, who books the artists for The Bixler. “And you can expect this years show to be just a good.” Keedy added. Widad’s honors and recognitions in the music industry include “Best Composer” with the American Golden Picture International Film Festival; Best Americana Artist 2022 Central Pennsylvania Music Awards; Falcon Ridge Folk Festival/Grassy Hill Stage Emerging Artist 2015. In addition, her song, “Take Me By The Hand” off of the album Before You’re Gone is featured in the Indie Short Film “Orphan Doll” written and directed by Healy Lange. Camela’s web site is www.CamelaWidad. com or check her out on Facebook or any of the online music streaming services.

Wanting more of the Listening Room series?

Here are the shows after Camela Widad: July 2—Good News Community Chorus with their patriotic cantata; July 7--Alice Wallace; July 14 Gold Pine (Ben and Kassie Wilson; and July 21 Sophia Talvik. And don’t forget, on the first Thursday of each monthThe Local Legends, take the stage at the Bixler 108 Listening Room. For additional information go to The Bixler 108 Facebook page or contact Tom Keedy at 660-626-7803 or at thebixler108@gmail.com. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated so that we can continue to present great artists like Camela Widad.ney