Disaster Recovery News

One of things people look forward to the most on the nation’s Independence Day is lighting fireworks. To make the most out of the holiday weekend, play it safe. Make this Fourth of July memorable because of the great time you had with family and friends, not because of a fireworks accident that went wrong.

Firework Safety Tips

• Know the law regarding fireworks in your state. If you are in an area that does not allow illegal fireworks, do not even think about using them.
• Only use fireworks outside.
• Have a hose or a bucket of water ready to extinguish any blazes.
• Do not alter fireworks.
• Leave a dud alone. If a firework does not work, leave it alone for at least 20 minutes before soaking it a bucket of water. Do not try to relight a dud.
• Do not drink and light fireworks. If there will be alcohol at your Independence Day festivities, appoint a designated fireworks lighter who will remain sober.
• Only allow those over the age of 12 use sparklers.
• Use safety equipment. The person lighting the fireworks should wear safety glass and spectators should keep a safe distance.
• More firework safety tips.

Learn more about fire prevention.

Photo by A Million to One CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Independence Day is here. With fireworks and firecrackers come fires. To ensure the safety of your family and neighborhood, keep the following tips in mind:

• While at a fireworks show, stay at least 125-feet away from the area where the fireworks will be set-off.
• Do not touch any fireworks that have fallen to the ground or even partial parts of a firework. Do not pick up any fireworks that look like they did not explode. Instead, contact the local fire department.
• Keep animals away from fireworks displays. The loud noises can hurt their sensitive ears or scare them, causing them to run away.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from the grill and grilling tools.
• Never fire a gun into the air in celebration of Independence Day. A stray bullet can unintentionally hurt someone. Plus, it is against the law to do this in many states.
• Only light fireworks outdoors.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby while setting-off fireworks.
• Youth under the age of 16 should always be supervised when handling fireworks.
• Do not drink and light. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

More on fire safety.