It’s officially summer. Time for outdoor family fun, celebrations and of course fireworks.
If not handled properly, fireworks can cause burn and eye injuries in kids and adults. The best way to protect your family this summer from accidents is to not use them at home — period. Instead, attend public 4th of July celebrations, and leave the lighting to the professionals.
It’s important to note that lighting fireworks at home might not be legal in your community, so if you still want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first. If they’re legal where you live, keep these safety tips from The National Council on Fireworks Safety in mind:
- Obey all local laws
- Know what you’re getting into before igniting – read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions
- A responsible adult SHOULD always be present and supervising
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show
- Wear safety glasses
- Light one at a time and then quickly move away
- Ignite fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles
- Never relight a “dud” – wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water
- Always have a bucket of water and a connected water hose nearby
- Never carry them in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers
- Do not experiment with homemade displays
- After igniting, dispose by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day
- FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department
And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!
- Don’t bring your pets to fireworks display, even small local events
- Keep your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off from the noise
- Never shoot off any fireworks near pets
There are many amazing community 4th of July displays across the country, where’s your favorite place to watch fireworks? Leave a comment below or join the conversation over on Facebook. From all of us at FirstLight Home Care we wish you and your family a safe and fabulous summer!