Enjoy Your Holiday Safely – Play It Safe around Fireworks

Posted on June 11, 2013

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks cause thousands of injuries that result in
hospital emergency room visits each year in the United States.

The majority of injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms occur during the one-month period before and after the Fourth of July (June 17-July 17).

There’s no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the excitement of fireworks at a professional display. If you feel the need to create your own display, please consider following these common-sense tips for staying safe during Fourth of July celebrations:

• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Know your fireworks; read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting them.
• Have a designated shooter organize and shoot your family show.
• Save your alcohol for after the show. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Parents and caretakers should always supervise teens closely if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have a bucket of water ready.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks in water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks. Use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
• Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department.

Categories: Newsletter, Summer 2013

Tags: fireworks safety, Forth of July