If you or someone you love is going to be playing with fireworks on the 4th, be certain to take the time for basic firework safety. Although the most common concern regarding the explosives is the obvious risk of fire, there are many other accidental injuries that can happen as well. For example, not lighting fireworks properly has caused them to blow-up prematurely, injuring (and sometimes even maiming the lightee). Also, the carcinogens released from the smoke from fireworks (although not deadly) can contain chemicals that should be avoided. If you are planning on lighting it up on the holidays, be sure to take these steps to ensure safety:
1. Be certain the fireworks you are using are legal. Many cities will give tickets or other penalties for use of illegal fireworks.
2. Water the grass around the area of activity. You do not want to be responsible for starting a fire that could spread.
3. If you light a firework, be certain to back up the proper distance after the cracker is lit. If it doesn't seem to be "working properly" give it time to do its thing before approaching it. Many people are injured because they go back to the firework too soon.
4. To be safe, hose off a firework that is dead or has been used to prevent further, unexpected explosions.
5. Do not let children play with fireworks and only allow them to use sparklers while under supervision.
6. Most important, if you've been drinking, step away from the matches. Drinking impairs your judgement, increasing your risk of firecracker injury.
Be safe, be smart, be around to celebrate the 5th.
Stay Safe on the 4th
Posted by C.L. R.
If you or someone you love is going to be playing with fireworks on the 4th, be certain to take the time for basic firework safety. Although the most common concern regarding the explosives is the obvious risk of fire, there are many other accidental injuries that can happen as well. For example, not lighting fireworks properly has caused them to blow-up prematurely, injuring (and sometimes even maiming the lightee). Also, the carcinogens released from the smoke from fireworks (although not deadly) can contain chemicals that should be avoided. If you are planning on lighting it up on the holidays, be sure to take these steps to ensure safety: 1. Be certain the fireworks you are using are legal. Many cities will give tickets or other penalties for use of illegal fireworks. 2. Water the grass around the area of activity. You do not want to be responsible for starting a fire that could spread. 3. If you light a firework, be certain to back up the proper distance after the cracker is lit. If it doesn't seem to be "working properly" give it time to do its thing before approaching it. Many people are injured because they go back to the firework too soon. 4. To be safe, hose off a firework that is dead or has been used to prevent further, unexpected explosions. 5. Do not let children play with fireworks and only allow them to use sparklers while under supervision. 6. Most important, if you've been drinking, step away from the matches. Drinking impairs your judgement, increasing your risk of firecracker injury. Be safe, be smart, be around to celebrate the 5th.