This year, the Kiwanis Club has partnered with the Mercer Island Masonic Lodge and Mercer Island VFW to manage the sale of fireworks and split the proceeds.
The stand opens for business on June 27 through July 4, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and will be in its usual location at the north end Rite Aid parking lot.
The proceeds that are raised will go toward several Island organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Mercer Island Special Olympics, Mercer Island Preschool Association’s annual circus, Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Fun Mobile, and more.
This year the Mercer Island Fire Department has partnered with the clubs to spread the word about firework safety. “Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be Responsible” is the 2013 slogan.
The City of Mercer Island allows the discharge of legal fireworks on one day only: July 4 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Over 300 injuries reported statewide in 2012 from fireworks
A total of 354 fireworks-related injuries and fires reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2012 by fire departments and hospitals.
Of the 354 reports received, there were 128 fires and 226 injuries, according to a media release from the State Fire Marshal’s Office to warn people about the dangers of fireworks as the Fourth of July nears.
The majority of these incidents occurred on July 4 and most were caused by males between ages 8 and 21.
The major incidents included:
• 7 residential fires totaling $880,500 in loss; 1 was caused by an illegal device, 3 were caused by legal fireworks, and 3 were caused by an unknown type of firework device.
• 26 fires and 64 injuries were caused by devices that are illegal to own or possess in Washington state.
• 7 sparkler bomb incidents that included 5 fires/explosions and 2 causing facial, torso and hand injuries. These devices are considered improvised explosive devices that are illegal to manufacture and possess.
Parents need to know: Supervision of kids 14 and under is critical in reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents.
Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety. Set family boundaries; only adults should light fireworks. Store fireworks in a secure location out of the reach and sight of curious children.
Remember the three B’s of fireworks safety:
Be prepared — have water nearby and put pets indoors; Be safe — only adults should light fireworks; and be responsible — clean up fireworks debris.
For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, check the Celebrate Safely website at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.
Fireworks cruise is July 13
Join Mercer Island residents on the annual Sunset and Fireworks Cruise on Saturday, July 13, as part of Summer Celebration! The Argosy boat, Celebrations, will cruise around the Island and will stop to view the Summer Celebration! fireworks.
To make a reservation, visit the Chamber office or go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/368363.
