Fireworks Safety Tips

One of my favorite scenes from The Sandlot begins with the voice-over, “There was only one night game a year. On the Fourth of July, the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks, giving us [the neighborhood kids] just enough light for a game.” As the fireworks went off, they couldn’t help but watch in amazement while in the background you could hear Ray Charles’s “America, the Beautiful”. At some point in our lives, we ourselves have stood in amazement and watched as fireworks covered the night sky with red, white, and blue. But as fun as fireworks can be, it’s still a fire hazard and you should be prepared and safe this holiday. We want you to be safe and have fun this Fourth of July, so here are some helpful tips:

• Leave fireworks to the professionals; amateur displays can be dangerous
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals
• After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over; they may still be active

For reports and statistics about fireworks, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

For the Fourth of July, 47 of U.S. states plus the District of Columbia allow legal consumer fireworks. To find out what’s legal in your state, visit the American Pyrotechnic Association (APA) and check out your state’s law summary. If your state does allow consumer fireworks, please remember that even legal fireworks can be dangerous and cause injury if they are not properly used. So here are some tips to consider from APA that we would like to pass on to you:

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
• Always read and follow the directions on the label
• Always have an adult present when handling fireworks
• Never give fireworks to young children, even sparklers!
• Use fireworks outdoors in a safe, non-wooded area
• Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy
• Keep everyone a safe distance away from fireworks
• Light only one firework at a time
• Never re-ignite a firework that doesn’t light the first time or one that has finished its display
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Don’t throw fireworks at another person
• Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
• Keep spectators at a safe distance
• Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks

Enjoy the holiday!!