5 Fireworks Safety Tips

Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the 4th that can help keep you safe this season. An injury can happen in the blink of an eye, so be sure to review  these fireworks safety tips so you and your family can enjoy a safe 4th.

5 FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

1. Choose your fireworks wisely.

You want to be sure you have the space to set off the fireworks of your choice. Read all descriptions to see if the item you choose will be shooting off sparks and flames. For items that will shoot up in the air, you want to be sure you have a street or field you are setting them off in. For a small backyard party, poppers and sparklers that don’t go in the air are a better choice.

2. Keep water near.

You want to be sure you have a bucket of water near to pour on any fires or flames that should erupt. A bucket of water is also great to put your spent sparklers in, as well as to pour over fireworks when they are done so you can be sure they won’t spark anymore.

3. Keep a safe distance.

Use a long “punk” stick or handled lighter to light all fireworks. This way you are not getting your face too close to them. Spectators should be placed at least 10-15 yards away so they can watch safely. Stay back from all spent fireworks for several minutes to make sure they are done igniting.

4. Do not let children help.

Children will want to help with lighting the fireworks, but resist the urge to let them. This is a job that is quite dangerous and should only be handled by adults. If they want to help, let them pick out the fireworks with the understanding that they get to choose but an adult gets to light them.

5. Dispose of all garbage.

Do not leave spent fireworks in the street or yard. Drench them with water and then sweep them up. They can pose burns and injuries to children and animals if left out, so cleaning up all of the pieces is essential.

Remember, you can always go see a public display of fireworks as well where safety is always a priority!

Give these tips a try and you are sure to enjoy a safe 4th of July.