4th of July Safety

4th of July is a time to have a lot of fun. I know I enjoy the holiday with my family, and I want you to do so too. Sadly, many people’s holiday is ruined when accidents happen. (230 people on average go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.)

Here are some safety tips to have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July holiday.

Good Morning America Fireworks Safety video:

 

4th of July Safety with Jeff Rossen on Today Show:

 

Thank you to ABC and NBC for information to help keep people safe.

Here are some tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission:

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• 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, 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.

 

Here is a short video from KECI News that was broadcast on 6/27/17 with some Fireworks Safety Tips:

 

Here is another good list from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services:

Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July or New Year’s festivities. Fireworks, while fun to watch, can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. Each year, there are many serious injuries such as burns, vision and hearing loss, and even deaths that could have been prevented by proper and safe use of fireworks.

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Always read and follow all warnings and label instructions.
• Always have an adult present, and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• The adult igniting the fireworks should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Buy from reliable sellers.
• Use fireworks only outdoors.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people or animals.  Keep your pets indoors to reduce the risk that they will run loose and get injured. Animals have very sensitive ears and can be stressed or frightened due to the igniting of fireworks.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

The safest way to prevent fireworks related injuries and deaths is to leave the fireworks displays to trained professionals.

Fireworks Safety 101 video from the Today Show broadcast on 7/3/17: