The 4th of July means a lot of things to a lot of people; cookouts, family get togethers, bonfires, and more than likely, fireworks. With tons of fireworks being bought and set off all over the country, it’s important to make sure you can enjoy the show without worrying about being the victim of any of the accidents that often come with fireworks.
Here are some 4th of July Safety Tips While Watching Fireworks:
If you want to enjoy a fireworks show while taking a minimum of risks, then it’s a good idea to leave the rockets to the professionals. Attending a public fireworks display is the safest route you can go, as well as the least expensive.
With that said, if you’re going to light off your own fireworks it’s important to keep the following things in mind.
– Fire Extinguishers: Always keep an extinguisher on hand just in case something gets out of control. It’s also a good idea to keep buckets of water and/or a garden hose ready as well.
– Proper Clothing: Loose, billowy clothing is not a good mix with fireworks, or really in any location where there’s going to be fire. Dress accordingly so that your sleeves, pant legs, etc. aren’t a potential fire hazard.
– Trajectory: Always point fireworks away from homes and buildings. Make sure the base they’re being fired off of is solid, and that there won’t be any problems once you’ve lit them.
Even if you’re not firing off your own sky-bound rockets, chances are good you’ve got at least a few, smaller fireworks that are “less dangerous” than the exploding missiles. Sparklers are perhaps one of the most common fireworks, but they need to be kept out of children’s hands to prevent injury. Snakes, the small pellets that expand into coils of ash, should always be set off either in bare dirt, or on concrete to ensure no accidental fires get started.
Lastly, and this is a big key for safety, make sure that fireworks are legal in your city, county, and state. Even if you’re taking all the precautions you can, it won’t make any difference if you’re breaking the law.
