7 tips on firework safety
For many people fireworks are as much a part of summer as ice cream cones, lightning bugs, and lazy days spent by the pool. Though fireworks can create a dazzling display for spectators of all ages they can also be very dangerous when they're not handled properly. If you're thinking about hosting a light show of your own this month be sure to keep these essential firework safety tips in mind.
If you're buying fireworks it's important that you remember that not all products are created equally. According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) you should only purchase fireworks from licensed stores stands or tents. This will allow you to ensure that the fireworks you are buying meet all of the required safety standards.
2. Protect your eyes and ears
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission an estimated 19 percent of fireworks-related injuries affect the eyes. In severe cases these types of injuries can lead to blindness.
In addition the loud popping sounds that fireworks make can damage your hearing. If your ears hurt after you have been watching fireworks they have suffered damage from this exposure.
To prevent damage to your eyes and ears you should wear protective goggles and earplugs when lighting fireworks.
3. Keep kids away
According to the National Safety Council, in 2017, 8 people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Of these, 50% of the injuries were to children and young adults under age 20. National Fire Protection Association shares that kids ages 14 and under had the highest risk of being injured by fireworks. In an effort to keep your kids safe you should establish a house rule that they shouldn't be around fireworks without supervision and that only grownups are allowed to light them.
4. Never carry fireworks in your pocket
Storing fireworks in your pocket creates friction that could cause them to explode. As such you should never transport fireworks in this manner.
5. Light safely
You should always light fireworks outside and point them away from people homes brush leaves or other flammable substances. You should also keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire. In addition you should always light only one firework at a time and you should avoid lighting it in a glass or metal container as these casings could explode. To further ensure that the conditions are as safe as possible you should never light fireworks in a situation where your judgment is impaired.
6. Don't relight a "dud"
If a firework doesn't ignite the first time you light it you should not try to light it again. Instead you should wait 20 minutes and then let it soak in a bucket of water before you discard it recommends the NCFS.
7. Dispose of them correctly
Firework safety doesn't end just because the light show is over. To prevent a fire you should soak used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them in the trash can.
Fireworks can be a fun festive part of your summer celebrations. But you need to always take the proper precautions when buying lighting and disposing of your fireworks in order to prevent injuries and fires.