Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 10:42 pm
It’s that time of year again. You can hear the popping of fireworks in the distance. Many people enjoy watching a firework display. But with fireworks there comes a degree of danger. To avoid some of these dangers you may opt to attend a public firework show and leave the lighting to the professionals and sit back and enjoy! But if you opt to have your own family fun, make sure to follow these guidelines.
Firework Safety Guidelines
- Use only consumer grade fireworks that are legal in your area. If you are unaware of your state/city regulations call your local fire department. They will be happy that you called.
- Have one or two designated adults who will be in charge of the fireworks. This adult should make sure not to wear loose clothing that could easily catch fire, wear protective glasses and abstain from drinking alcohol until after they are finished lighting fireworks. Also they should read the labels carefully on the fireworks they plan to use.
- Make sure that dry brush, buildings, trees and flammable containers are at the recommended safe distance away from the firework device and point them away from people, house and other objects.
- Place the fireworks you are lighting on hard, solid surface like a wooden board or cement (never use glass or metal). Placing devices on grass or gravel increase the risk of the firework to fall down and shoot into the crowd of onlookers causing injury.
- Keep a bucket of water close along with a water hose and fire extinguisher.
- Most fireworks require that onlookers stay at least 20 feet away and others, like aerial fireworks require 40 feet of distance. Read each label for these safety instructions.
- Keep a close eye on children when fireworks are being ignited so that they don’t get too close to the fireworks. Young children may want to get a closer look at the “magic” they see going on before them being unaware of the dangers.
- If you get a dud, Do NOT stand over it to investigate or try to relight it. approach it after 20 minutes douse it with water before discarding.
- When the fireworks are done make sure to douse with water before disposing of them.
If anyone is injured by a firework go to the doctor right away! If it is an eye injury do not touch or rub it as this could cause further injury.
Sparklers
These are more popular with children. But even these can be dangerous as the temperature can reach over 1,000 degrees and cause serious burns. Follow these guidelines when using sparklers.
- Do not allow small children to use these. Instead allow them to hold glow sticks to join in the festivities!
- Any child should be supervised and be instructed how to use them safely and be willing to follow the instructions. The recommended age is 12 years old.
- Sparks can ignite clothing so avoid loose clothing and open toed shoes (flip-flops are not a good idea).
- Do not hand anyone a lighted sparkler, give them an unlit one and light it while they hold it.
- Only hold one sparkler at a time and keep your arm extended to hold it as far away from your body as possible to avoid personal bodily injury.
- Do not run or sit with lighted sparklers. Instead STAND 6 feet away from other people. (Do not hold a child while holding a sparkler).
- DO NOT wave sparklers!!
- The sparkler will still be hot after it has gone out, so place them in a bucket of water to cool before discarding.
BE SMART! BE SAFE!
For more information visit the National Council on Firework Safety.
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