Fireworks can be fun for celebrating. They are colorful, loud, and darn festive! But they can be dangerous as well if you don’t follow some simple rules:
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only use approved types.
- Never allow young children to ignite or play with fireworks INCLUDING sparklers. They can burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees – similar to a blow torch – and handing a blow torch to a child is never a good idea. So, keep the pyrotechnics to the adults.
- Avoid fireworks wrapped in brown paper as they may be intended only for professional displays and operated only by trained professionals.
- Keep a garden hose or bucket of water close by in case of accidents.
- Never drink and ignite. Keep a designated firecracker operator.
- Only light fireworks one at a time.
- Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting the device.
- Never re-light or pick up fireworks that did not ignite fully.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Douse the used fireworks before discarding to insure you do not cause a secondary fire in your garbage can.
Thousands of people are injured by fireworks every year. By following these rules and using common sense, you can have a great time and keep everyone safe!
