Don’t Blow Your Hand In Las Vegas: Firework Safety Tips
The Fourth of July just would not be the same without those breathtaking fireworks. However, those beautiful fireworks can quickly turn your holiday into a less than fun time within minutes if they go wrong. In many municipalities fireworks which explode, emit a flame, or spark higher than 12 feet, or perform as a projectile are strictly prohibited. Often people purchase them in other areas outside of their own and end up using fireworks from other jurisdictions that may not be legal in their own. When safety is not foremost, people can get injured while using fireworks. Some of those injuries can be quite serious and leave permanent damage.
Nevertheless, people will still decide to use fireworks at their own risk. Amateurs attempting to use professional-grade or homemade fireworks or even less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can still be deemed dangerous. If someone uses fireworks, they should do so under the abundance of caution. Here are some best practices to ensue safest results:
- Avoid fireworks packaged in brown paper, as they are made for professional displays and are not for backyard use.
2. Always ensure an adult supervises fireworks activities. This is especially important with sparklers. Never allow young children to play or ignite any kind of fireworks Regardless of how responsible you think your kid is, accidents can happen. Kids can look, but should not be allowed to touch.
3. Be sure to back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
4. Never point or throw fireworks at another person This can be super dangerous since fireworks are not toys.
5. There should be a bucket of water, or a garden hose nearby should a fire break out. Additionally, douse used fireworks before discarding them in the trash.
6. Be especially careful not to place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting it. This could be a recipe for disaster.
The bottom line is the National Safety Council says that it is best for everyone to enjoy fireworks at a public display that is conducted by professionals, and to avoid use of any fireworks at home. Even though fireworks are legal in some states they really are not safe.