The 4th of July weekend officially kicks off the summer all over the country with festivals, BBQ’s, and family gatherings that unfortunately sends an average 230 people to the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries. Many states have banned the use and sale of fireworks to avoid injuries, but still people continue to be fascinated by lighting fireworks.
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Fireworks Safety Tips
One of the highlights of the 4th of July weekend is the fireworks, but instead of spending a lot of money on fireworks, why not take your family to see a professional fireworks show. If you are going to be playing with fireworks, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has the following recommendations:
- 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, and 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.
Lighting fireworks at home should be a family activity. Make sure you never let children purchase fireworks without adult supervision. Remember that fireworks can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees, which can lead to severe burns or even death. Never carry any fireworks in your pockets and keep a fire extinguisher or water hose nearby in case of emergency. Your safety comes first, so make sure you plan ahead and have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend!