For a Safer Fireworks

Fire Safety Tips for American Independence Day

Try to attend public fireworks displays.
For, the shows are safer and are meant for better displays
than what might be achieved at your home.
However, if you must use fireworks, be sure to follow certain safety rules.

Remember:
Each year people suffer burns, loss of eyesight,
burst eardrums and other injuries, and property is damaged because of fireworks.

Words of caution:
Common fireworks are explosives
and must be handled with care and respect
to prevent injury and property damage.

So, the first thing you should do is
to check out with the fire department
if the fireworks are legal in your community.
If yes, know the rules to be followed.
Here are certain do's and don'ts:

The Do's

• Obey your city or town ordinance on the use of fireworks.

  

• Always purchase high quality fireworks from reliable sources.
• Follow the printed instructions carefully, and use common sense.
• Never use fireworks in glass or metal containers.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Use fireworks outdoors only in a clear area away from houses and buildings.
• Light only one item at a time, then move back quickly once the fuse is ignited.
• Keep all other fireworks at a safe distance from where they are being discharged.
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Make sure adults supervise the firing of all fireworks.
• Always wear safety goggles when using fireworks.
• Have an adult supervise the use of all fireworks.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable sellers.
• Use outdoors only.
• Make sure to have all flammable and combustible materials removed from the area of shooting and landing.

  

• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Use a "punk", instead of the lighters and matches, for a safer ignition.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place. And, away from any source of fire.
• Soak the burnt out fireworks in water and dispose of them in a trashcan.
• Make sure to wear eye protection while shooting.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

The Don'ts:

• Never try illegal explosives.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to small children (below 12).
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in water).
• Never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Never ignite aerial fireworks near, or, below a tree, overhead wires, or anything that may obstruct the flight.
• Never ignite aerial fireworks near an opening, e.g. a door, a window. ENJOY !