Fond memories are often made with cookouts and fireworks around summer holidays. Did you know that firework displays have been an American tradition since the late 1700’s? While it’s a fun and beautiful tradition, it’s important to keep you, your family and your home safe while making memories this summer! Here are some firework safety tips that will help you to enjoy the holidays and avoid danger.
Tips for Residential Fireworks
Check to see if shooting off fireworks at your home is legal in your city/county/state.
Avoid purchasing fireworks that are wrapped in brown paper as those are commercial fireworks for professional use only.
1Make sure you are outside in an open area away from any buildings, cars or people.
Take caution when lighting fireworks by wearing safety glasses and making sure the firework is not aimed in the direction of a person or building.
If the firework does not go off after it was lit, do not attempt to re-light it or pick it up.
Have a large container of water nearby to soak the used fireworks remains for a few hours before putting the remains in a garbage bag.
Sparklers are often seen as a safer firework for children, but they can be more dangerous than you think. A sparkler can burn up to 2,000 degrees.
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The Safest Way to Enjoy Fireworks
While fireworks are beautiful and fun to watch, they have the potential to damage to property and injure people. According to an annual report issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.2 The safest way to enjoy
fireworks is to sit back and relax at a local fireworks show put on by professionals. You can find fireworks shows in your area and enjoy watching beautiful fireworks that are not available for residential purchase. Plus, fireworks can be expensive! So, enjoying a local fireworks show can save you money and protect you, your family and your home.
1 "Fireworks." CPSC.gov. July 02, 2018. Accessed June 07, 2019. https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks.
2 Tu, Yongling, and Jason Ng. "2017 Fireworks Annual Report." Consumer Product Safety Commission. June 19, 2018. Accessed June 12, 2019. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Fireworks_Report_2017.pdf?Jr0lMG0Z5QYQMTyUtYr_3GR.991BKn4l.