FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS FOR THE 4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY
The 4th of July can be a fun and festive occasion for all, but the improper use of fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burns and eye injuries. You can help prevent fireworks-related injuries by observing the following tips:
Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. You can find out by calling your local fire department or city hall.