Fireworks Safety, Do’s and Don’ts

Fireworks are a part of summer fun, and are a big part Fourth of July celebrations and American tradition around the country. Although they can be a fantastic component of the summer, be safe and follow some key guidelines to make sure you, your family, and friends are safe during the festivities.

Burns, scars, and blindness are the most common injuries as a result of fireworks-related accidents. However, The National Council on Fireworks Safety reports that “the injury rate on legal fireworks has declined over 84% since the Consumer Products Safety Commission began to closely monitor the fireworks industry.” This means that people are becoming better educated, and taking increased measures to prevent injuries by exercising good judgment and common sense.

The best and safest way to enjoy a fireworks display is to attend a professional event or site. Not only does this save you money, effort, and time to make a display, it also ensures that you will view a well-orchestrated show in a safe environment. Still, if you do decide to use your own this year, here are some Do’s and Don’ts to guide you towards fireworks safety:

Do take steps to make sure your fireworks purchase is legal and shoot in your city. Check with your local state offices if needed! Only 37 states and the District of Columbia allow consumer fireworks.

Don’t light more than one firework at a time.

Don’t ever try to re-light a firework if it does not work the first time. It may be a delayed starter, or may not be made properly so it is safer to discard it after the first trial.

Do make your purchase from a reliable source such as a store, well-known vendor, or outlet.

Do read the instructions and warning labels very carefully.

Do wear eye protection.

Don’t store fireworks, especially in a home or area where children, and even pets, may have access to them.

Do dispose of any fireworks that don’t light properly the first time, by waiting approximately 20 minutes and then soaking them in a bucket of water.

Don’t let anyone younger than 18 years of age light fireworks on their own.

Do give yourself time to move away from the firework as soon as it is lit, to prevent a possible burn hazard

Don’t ever throw fireworks

Don’t play with homemade fireworks or mix types of firework materials.

Don’t light fireworks inside a container, or in the range of flammable or hazardous materials

Do keep a large bucket of water near you to avoid a potential fire or help in the case of emergency

Follow the above fireworks safety tips when you are setting up your firework displaly, and you will be one step closer to a smart safety and injury prevention plan during your celebration and festivities!