Safety Tidbit 2.46 - Fireworks Safety Tips

Safety Tidbit 2.46 – Fireworks Safety Tips

Reference:       Safety Tips – National Council on Fireworks Safety

                       

Tis the season for cookouts, campfires, and fireworks. I figured I’d get into the mood.  According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), eleven people died in 2015 using fireworks and an estimated 11,900 people were taken to the hospital with fireworks-related injuries. About 67 percent of those injuries occurred in the 30 days before and after July Fourth celebrations, a sobering reminder as this year's holiday approaches

The National Council on Fireworks Safety has some very practical tips when handling or being around fireworks. Pay attention to the few at the very end.

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting. (I know – where’s the fun in that!!!)
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children. (Dad may not be a very “responsible” adult)
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show. (Enough said!)
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby. (A hose may help too!)
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.

And most importantly…

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put 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 during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

Hope this was helpful and thanks for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

P.S. If you have a burning safety or health question please let me know.