Firework Safety!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year, with more than half of those fires caused by fireworks? Yep! With it being the holiday weekend, we figured we would share some helpful tips to keep you, your family, and all of your possessions safe! Many of these accidents can be avoided if you are taking the proper safety measures, read some of Brendan Rimetz suggestions below!

Have a designated shooter!

A responsible adult should be in charge of shooting off fireworks, one who has not been impaired by any drugs or alcohol! The National Safety Council suggests wearing safety glasses as eye and face damage are the most common forms of firework-related injury.

Know the fireworks you are using, and do not use illegal or homemade fireworks!

Read all safety and warning labels, and do not use fireworks that have been bought illegally or have no warning labels. You should always buy from a licensed dealer. Using the fireworks how they are intended to be used is also important.

Tampering with legal fireworks or building your own is dangerous and can lead to unexpected explosions. Fire Chief and NCFS board member Kyle L. Lenn, of Ralston, Nebraska, says the majority of the accidents he has responded to weren't caused by fireworks but by illegal explosives that people made and treated like fireworks.

Have water ready!

Keep a hose and a bucket of water close at hand. Use the hose to put out stray flames or sparks from firecrackers. Hose down any duds, or fireworks that do not ignite when lit, and let them sit for at least 20 minutes before handling to ensure they aren't delayed starters. After the wait time has elapsed, soak the firework in a bucket of water for an additional 15 to 20 minutes before disposing of it.

Be aware of your surroundings!

Plan where people will be sitting and the direction in which aerial fireworks will be firing beforehand. When purchasing any type of firework, keep the size of your space in mind and determine required spectator distances beforehand so you don't bring home something you shouldn't be lighting. Make sure onlookers are a safe distance away.