Using consumer fireworks on our nation’s birthday is as American as apple pie, backyard barbecues and afternoon storms.
It can also be a safe activity if a few common sense rules are followed, according to Fire Marshal Bryan Crowley of the Hartsville Fire Department. “Thanks to testing of consumer fireworks in China, through the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory and other testing programs, and rigorous enforcement of federal fireworks regulations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, consumer fireworks today are safer than ever before,” Crowley said.
Fireworks-related accidents do occur every year, however, and most could be prevented with some basic safety precautions. The Hartsville Fire Department offers these common sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks in the hopes that injuries to consumers can be greatly reduced this season.
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives -- they can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the Fire Department or Police Department.
These additional safety tips should be consider when using sparklers.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers. Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out.
• Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run while holding sparklers. The Hartsville Fire Department urges local residents to follow these simple safety rules in their holiday celebrations this Fourth of July.
For more information, please contact the Hartsville Fire Department at 843-383-3000.
