July is a time for family celebrations and fireworks shows. Fireworks can be beautiful, but safety measures need to be taken. They can be dangerous. Fires, injuries, and even death can occur when we are careless with fireworks. More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year.
Most fireworks are designed to explode! Those that do not burn at extremely high temperatures – sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees.
Following are some safety tips for using fireworks:
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Never aim or throw fireworks towards another person
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use fireworks only under close adult supervision
- Wear protective eyewear when lighting or standing nearby fireworks
- Be careful of loose clothing around fireworks
- Have a water source close by
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Stay away from people, houses, and flammable materials
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Be aware of windy conditions
- Only light one device at a time
- Never ignite fireworks in a container
- Never try to re-light or handle a malfunctioning firework