The Fourth of July will be here before you know it, so you probably have fireworks on your mind. You cannot help but imagine how much fun you will have, but safety is also important. Go over some firework safety tips for your entire family.
Keep Water Handy
It is important to be ready for any mishaps that might occur when using fireworks. Fill a bucket with water or keep a water hose nearby so you will have quick access if there’s an accident. Hopefully, you will not need to use it, but it is wise to be safe instead of sorry.
Don’t Relight Duds
It is disappointing when fireworks do not go off when they are lit, so some people try to relight them. However, you never know what a defective firework will do, so avoid the urge to relight it. Also, defective fireworks might spontaneously ignite, so back away and let duds sit for at least five minutes. Then submerge the dud in water so it cannot do any damage.
Go One at a Time
Do you ever feel the urge to light a bunch of fireworks at once to add some drama to the display? Doing this causes the fireworks’ fuses to burn faster than normal, which is incredibly dangerous. Only light one firework at a time, so you do not have to put out a fire or deal with injuries.
Watch the Kiddos
Kids love sparklers and often play with them on their own. Unfortunately, that is a lot more dangerous than you might think. Most parents do not realize that sparklers reach up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. If your kids come into contact with a spark, they might suffer severe burns. Thus, only let them play with sparklers when you are around, and be ready to jump in if anything happens.
Maintain a Safe Distance
You do not want to get too close to fireworks, so ensure you have a safety perimeter. Ensure that everyone knows where the perimeter is so they do not get injured. Everyone needs to stay at least 35 feet away from ground-based fireworks and 150 feet away from aerial fireworks.
Use a Stem Lighter
When you go to actually light the fireworks, you should never lean over the fireworks when lighting them. There is the possibility that they might go off onto your body has you hover over them. Instead, use a stem lighter, which will allow you to keep a safe distance when lighting the fireworks.
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Safely Discard the Fireworks
Do not throw away fireworks right away. Instead, you need to soak them in water for at least three hours before tossing them. That is true, even when the fireworks have not been used.
Be sure to follow these safety tips when setting off fireworks at home. Then, you can make amazing memories with your family and friends without any issues.
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