Fireworks Safety for the 4th of July Weekend
Everyone loves fireworks, but the general consensus among public safety professionals is that the safest fireworks are the ones at public events, run by professionals, such as the ones that will light up in the skies above Elkins tomorrow night.
You’ve seen the fireworks sold around town, so if you decide to use them, please follow this advice, quoted directly from the National Safety Council (NSC):
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks – those small sparklers are actually among the most dangerous fireworks to handle!
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite fireworks in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never, never use illegal fireworks
Download Fireworks Safety Tips (PDF)
From the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Have a safe, happy Fourth of July weekend!
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