Be safe with those fireworks this Fourth

It's the eve of Independence Day, and that means area residents are already having fun as they celebrate the annual salute to our nation's birth.

That's exactly as it should be.

However, we would be remiss if we didn't remind readers to observe basic safety precautions on this, the holiday that causes an average of 230 emergency room visits nationwide in the days just before and after July 4, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. A whopping 50 percent of those visits are from burns.

Of the usual fireworks-related injuries tracked by the government agency, these are the most common:

* Hands and fingers: 36 percent

* Eyes: 19 percent

* Heads/faces/ears: 19 percent

* Torsos: 11 percent

* Legs: 10 percent

Setting off fireworks can be great fun, but a little common sense can go a long way.

If you and your family and friends plan to indulge in this sparkly tradition, be sure you keep young children away from fireworks. The commission also suggests not buying any fireworks packaged in brown paper, as this could mean they were manufactured for a professional display and could be more dangerous.

When lighting fireworks, stand as far from the fuse as you can to minimize any potential injury. Never point fireworks at another person or shoot them off in metal or glass containers. Keep a bucket of water close by in case of any mishaps.

For more tips and information, visit cpsc.gov.

Enjoy the Fourth even if it rains

With the high river stage, Cape Girardeau's fireworks show, Municipal Band performance and Southeast Missourian Spirit of America ceremony have moved to Arena Park on Saturday, along with the naturalization ceremony for new American citizens. Parking and admission are free. Food vendors are scheduled.

Listen to River Radio or check semissourian.com for weather updates. If the events in Cape Girardeau, Jackson and elsewhere are postponed because of rain, these media organizations will be sure to inform you.

If you were planning to attend the band performance or naturalization or Southeast Missourian Spirit of America ceremonies, they will take place rain or shine on Saturday night. If it's raining, festivities will move inside the Arena Building. The public is welcome on a first-come basis as space allows. Fireworks will move to Sunday if rain forces their cancellation Saturday.

Happy Independence Day!