4th of July Firework Safety Tips For 2019
In the midst of a holiday celebration, it’s easy to forget the necessity of practicing the same level of safety you would any other day to prevent an accidental injury. The Fourth of July’s grand celebrations, characterized by exploding fireworks, are a good example of this. Though fireworks are a quintessential part of the Independence Day celebration, users must still treat them like what they are – explosives. The improperly handling and/or lighting of fireworks can spell disaster and turn a celebration into a trip to the emergency room, or worse.
Legality
Firework laws vary state-by-state and can differ between counties within a state. Firework regulation takes into account variables like local weather, which plays a significant role in their legality. Fire-prone areas are not likely to encourage firework use, especially in the context of hundreds of citizens setting them off at once. Remember, your local laws are in place for a reason – don’t set your neighborhood on fire.
Child Safety
Do not let children handle fireworks. It can be exciting to involve your children in the setup and/or lighting of fireworks – but again, fun does not always take safety into account. Do not allow children to light or play with fireworks. They can cause burns, fires, and impact-related eye injuries if an individual accidentally sets one off. Poppers and sparklers are safer options for children, as they are exciting but pose less risk to children. However, even these options require adult supervision.
Firework Ignition
Igniting a firework might seem like common sense, but not all individuals know about the safety precautions involved.
• Don’t light fireworks in metal or glass containers. This can overheat the materials and cause shattering and/or burns.
• Have a bucket of water on-hand for emergency fires or firework malfunctions.
• Do not ignite the firework with your body directly over the fuse. Remain at a distance, and back up after lighting the firework. Do not remain within the firework’s immediate vicinity.
• Do not try to re-light or fix broken fireworks. Dispose of them and use a new one.
• Do not throw your firework into the air, or into a crowd, to see where it goes. This is extremely dangerous and risks the safety of everyone around.
Location
Understanding the different limits surrounding where to ignite fireworks prevents potential fires and/or impact-related injuries.
• Ignite your fireworks in a location that is clear of dry shrubbery and grass. The same dry materials you would use to start a campfire can also start open fires when accidents with fireworks occur.
• Do not ignite fireworks under canopies or other awnings. This includes firing the explosive out from an angle.
Pet Safety
For some, the fun of fireworks should extend to all members of the family, including pets. However, most animals do not like fireworks and develop a significant level of anxiety when hundreds of fireworks light up the sky at once. Moreover, unleashed animals could damage fireworks and/or interfere with the lighting process and pose a significant danger. Keep the well-being of your animals in mind by following these pet safety tips:
• Keep your pets indoors in a quiet area, or use the television to drown out firework noise.
• Keep firework-related paraphernalia away from areas that your pets can access.
• Keep proper identification on your pets at all times – scared animals tend to run away.
Fireworks Disposal
You should not recklessly toss fireworks that don’t work to the side. Following a few safety tips can prevent accidental firings.
• Submerge defective fireworks in a bucket of water. Soak them until the entire firework becomes saturated with water. Water-logged fireworks will not operate, making them safer to handle and dispose of.
• Place the fireworks in double-wrapped bags. This prevents the fireworks from drying out again.
• Toss the fireworks into your trash – double wrapping should keep the fireworks moist.
Keep your whole family safe during Fourth of July celebrations by exercising caution in your firework practices. Though it may seem easy to simply point and light, you save yourself trouble and potential injury by remaining aware of your own actions.
