With the upcoming national celebration of United States liberty, the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office is providing some safety tips and reminders to help keep families safe.

"Celebrating our independence and freedom is a fun and exciting time for communities across the country, but it can also be a dangerous one," according to Cherokee County Chief Deputy Nate Jones.

"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 10,000 injuries and 11 firework related deaths in 2022.  Over 1,300 of those injuries came from firecrackers and 600 from sparklers, continued Chief Deputy Jones.

To help reduce potential injuries, following the below safety tips are encouraged:

• Have a "designated shooter" who has not been consuming alcohol or otherwise impaired
• Remember bottle rockets and skyrockets which are mounted on a stick are illegal in the State of Kansas.
• Keep an adequate water supply close by while discharging fireworks.
• Parents should closely monitor children if they are discharging fireworks.
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks or alter those which have been purchased from a vendor.
• Don't position any part of your body over a firework when lighting them.

"Several of the cities within the county all have ordinances related to the specific dates and times when fireworks can be discharged so I encourage those shooting fireworks within the cities to be sure they are within the dates and times allowed." 

"We hope everyone has a great and safe time during the upcoming celebration," concluded Chief Deputy Jones.

Incorporated cities within Cherokee County have adopted the following regulations setting the dates and times fireworks can be discharged:

Baxter Springs: July 1st until 10:00 p.m. / July 2nd-July 4th until midnight

Columbus: June 27th - July 4th from 8:00 a.m. to midnight  

Galena: June 27th - July 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. / July 4th and 5th from 9:00 a.m. to midnight

Weir: June 27th - July 6th from 8:00 a.m. to midnight