Safety Tips for Setting Off Fireworks at Home
This meme recently came out poking fun at the thousands of Americans who will attempt to set off their own fireworks at home. If you’re one of these patriotic risk-takers, we’ve got some essential safety tips to prevent accidents and injuries. We wish you a happy and SAFE 4th of July!
Safety Tips for Setting Off Fireworks at Home
- Choose a Safe Location:
- Select an open area away from buildings, trees, and flammable materials.
- Ensure there are no overhead obstructions like power lines or tree branches.
- Don’t Ignore the Instructions:
- Carefully read the labels and instructions on the fireworks packaging.
- Understand how to ignite and handle EACH firework properly.
- Keep Water Nearby:
- Have a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher readily available.
- Protect Yourself:
- Wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from sparks or debris.
- Consider wearing earplugs to protect your hearing from loud noises.
- Follow a One-at-a-Time Rule:
- Only light one firework at a time.
- Wait for the firework to fully explode and cool down before handling the debris.
- Keep Spectators at a Safe Distance:
- Establish a designated area for spectators at least 30 feet away from the fireworks.
- Ensure children and pets are at a safe distance from the launch site.
- Dispose of Debris Properly:
- After the fireworks have completely burned out, soak them in water before discarding them in a metal container.
- This will prevent any accidental fires from smoldering debris. (Our family at UFM actually has a friend who had a fire start after his mini fireworks show because he didn’t do this!)
Gather your loved ones, follow these guidelines, and have a fantastic 4th of July!