As firework sales begin, experts urge safety for New Year’s celebrations
By Jenna Wilson
As New Year’s Eve approaches, experts are emphasizing the importance of firework safety for those planning to celebrate in a dazzling way.
While most people associate fireworks with the Fourth of July, in Missouri, sales also are permitted during the last two weeks of the year for those who want to ring in the new year with them.
But celebrating safely is key. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for firework-related injuries in 2023.
PJ Kovac, owner of PJ’s fireworks, has been in the business for 16 years providing celebrations and competitive prices and service.
“We’ve got a huge selection and huge building,” Kovac said. “Firework season has always been really good to us.”
While they want everyone to remember that fireworks can be a great addition to any celebration, they should be operated with care.
“A lot of it comes down to using common sense,” Kovac said. “Make sure you’re in a clear area away from people with level ground and don’t ever put your head over a firework while you’re lighting it.”
Officials with the St. Joseph Safety Council also shared tips to help people avoid firework accidents this year. Executive Director Frank Till said when operating fireworks there should always be a designated sober person around to keep an eye out.
“New Year’s Eve is traditionally a drinking holiday for many but understand, fireworks and alcohol don’t really mix,” Till said. “If you are going to celebrate at midnight with fireworks, have someone designated that’s not intoxicated or impaired to assist with lighting fireworks, that way good judgement is made all the way around.”
Till shared that according to city ordinance in St. Joseph, anything that shoots in the air and is a projectile is illegal inside city limits.
Kovac says while all of the fireworks are seeing good sales this season, one in particular – the “Great Love Potion Number Nine” is among the most popular so far due to its exception fountain.
“Best fountain I’ve ever had in my life,” he said. “We got three cases last year and ordered 100 cases this year and it’s just phenomenal.”
PJ’s fireworks will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 30 and 31 at 20830 State Highway K.
A list of permitted fireworks in the city of St. Joseph can be found at, www.stjoemo.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/63.
