Tips to Stay Safe Around Fireworks

The Fourth of July is often filled with fireworks. Though many people enjoy watching the larger firework events, others prefer to have some at their own home. However, fireworks are still dangerous and care should be taken to make sure that everyone is safe. 

Here are some tips to stay safe around fireworks. 

You should not make your own fireworks. This can be very dangerous!

Don't forget about sparklers. Though many people think that they are harmless, the truth is that they can be dangerous. In fact, many people get burns from sparklers. These are usually on the hands and face, and usually with children. 

Adults should always be in charge of fireworks. This means that adults should always supervise children and teenagers when they are using sparklers. With fireworks, adults should be the ones setting them off, not children! 

Do not carry on around fireworks. Many people get silly when it comes to fireworks. They may pretend to shoot fireworks at each other or try to light them off on tables or their own body parts. This is only asking for trouble.

Always look at the manufacturers' directions. Though you may not realize it, fireworks have directions on them, and they should be read and followed before just setting them off! 

Find a safe location before setting off fireworks. You should always set off fireworks at least twenty-five feet away from houses and flammable materials. It is best to set them off on a driveway or other paved area. 

Before lighting them, it is important to have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy. That way you can quickly set out a fire if you have problems.

When lighting off fireworks, you should only do one at a time. Back away as quickly as possible, so that you are out of harm's way when the fireworks go off. 

You should also make sure that people and pets are out of the way before you set them off. It is a good idea to be at least twenty-five feet away from anyone. 

Once the firework is done, you should pick it up with a shovel and put it in water. This will make sure that you don't get burned as you try to clean up after the fireworks. 

You should always make sure that the fireworks are cold before you put them in the trash can. It helps to put them in water for a while before you throw them out. Otherwise, the trash can may catch on fire.

If one of your fireworks turns out to be a dud, you need to put it in water. Many people try to re-light their duds, which can be very dangerous. After soaking, you can put them in the trash cans too.

Fireworks can be completely dangerous, in the wrong hands. Even sparklers can cause bad burns on children and adults. Because of this, adults should always be in charge of fireworks. They should read all of the directions and then find a safe place to light them off. You should only light them off on a driveway or a paved area, at least twenty-five feet away from houses and other dry areas. You should have a garden hose or bucket of water handy just in case of fire. 

Then, make sure that you light them off one at a time, after everyone is safely away. You should never horse around and goof off. Instead, just light them off and quickly back away. Once they are done, use a shovel to pick them up and put them in a bucket of water before disposing.

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Previously published on Medium and/or Newsbreak.