July fourth is a day known for its traditions of barbeques, parades, and fireworks. But many individuals do not realize how dangerous that last tradition can be. Today we will share some fireworks safety tips to keep you and your family safe this weekend.
Watching firework displays controlled by local fire departments is one thing, but buying fireworks from stands around the country is another. This tradition can turn deadly, fast. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), eleven individuals were killed and more than 10,000 were injured by fireworks in 2014.
To prevent injury and death, the CPSC has provided a list of tips to keep you safe on July 4, 2015:
- Make sure the fireworks you want to buy are legal in your area before buying or using them.
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees─hot enough to melt some metals.
- Do not buy fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, which is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays.
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
- After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.
The CPSC blog post also has an informative infographic sharing facts and figures involving injuries caused by different fireworks.
What are your 4th of July plans? Make sure that keeping yourself and your family safe is one of them.
