Have a happy Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and we just can’t think of a better way to celebrate than to enjoy fireworks, whether it is a show hosted by professionals or a private show with your family and friends.

Fireworks technicians that put on public pyrotechnics are extensively prepared, and it is important for the public to remember that caution and safety are essential to enjoying this truly American holiday favorite in an appropriate way.

Firework injuries are prominent, and fires can start all too easily under the right conditions.

Because of this, we want to encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday safely and practice safe firework execution. To help with that, we have prepared some tips.

Keep children away:

Never allow young children to ignite or play with fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous. Experts say sparklers burn at temperatures between 1800 F and 3000 F, which is hot enough to melt metal. Most people wouldn’t let children touch a stove set to 350 F, so they must exercise the same caution when using sparklers.

Children may not realize that fireworks can remain hot even after the colors have disappeared. Some fireworks that are considered “duds” can unexpectedly reignite, even after being moved.

However, if your child must partake in the holiday festivities, we encourage close adult supervision.

Exercise caution:

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or to douse used fireworks before discarding them. When setting off fireworks, never point or throw fireworks at another person. Individuals should keep a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Shop wisely:

When shopping for fireworks, buy them only from reputable sources and avoid fireworks packaged in plain brown wrapping, which is normally indicative of fireworks designed for professional displays and not for home use.

Additional safety measures:

The following are some additional measures when handling fireworks.

• Never use fireworks when under the influence.
• Never ignite devices inside of a container.
• Maintain a safe distance from people, houses and flammable materials when using fireworks.
• Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area prior to purchasing them.
• Strongly consider leaving displays to professionals.

We wish everyone a happy Fourth of July while celebrating our country’s independence. Let’s all avoid the emergency room or calls to the fire department and follow these basic safety guidelines to prevent injuries and accidents.