Being safe and courteous while celebrating the Independence Day holiday by respecting your neighbors and following the law should always be a top priority. Use only during designated times and on your private property.

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks:

– Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

– Avoid buying fireworks that are 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 young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.

– 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.

COMMENTS