Summer is a great time to enjoy fireworks outdoors, and with Labor Day approaching, countless people are planning to set off fireworks. If you are one of them, heed the proper safety tips to protect you and your loved ones.
Fireworks may seem like harmless playthings, but they pack a lot of firepower. You are too smart and have too many goals to waste time on statistics, which is why you are looking at these tips. Make sure safety comes first by doing the following.
1. Avoid using kraft paper
Fireworks come in a variety of brightly colored packaging, but do not use ordinary kraft paper packaging. They are used for professional displays and are the type you see at county fairs. You’ll need the correct permission and permission from officials to use them – and in many jurisdictions, it’s illegal to detonate them.
Also, be sure to check fire restrictions before setting off your fireworks display. Even if it is normally allowed, the risk of wildfires in dry conditions could prompt local officials to issue temporary bans.
2. Give up those useless things
You light a firework and it goes out. Another application for your trusty lighter should do the trick, right? Please stop and think before you act. There may still be enough sparks in the hand to ignite and explode. If the sparkler looks useless, place it in a bucket of water used to soak the spent sparkler, and leave it there until it is safe to dispose of.
3. Have a fire extinguisher ready
Your bucket of water is convenient, but not enough to put out many fires. When setting off fireworks and firecrackers, a fire extinguisher should be kept on hand at all times. A garden hose is also a smart move, as you can quickly put out embers that scatter on the grass.
4. Stay outside
You should only set off fireworks outdoors—but walking in with something in your hand is more common than you think. To prevent accidents, place multiple coolers for drinks and snacks outside so guests don’t have to enter or exit the house when they need refreshments. As an added bonus, your floors will stay clean and you won’t have to ask people to take off their shoes if you don’t want them to wear them indoors.
5. Pay attention to your containers
Do not ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers as the resulting explosion can cause shrapnel to fly. It could become embedded in someone’s body, causing injury or worse. Likewise, never carry sparklers—even small, fragile ones—in your pocket.
6. Keep children at a safe distance
Children have nothing to do with open flames and explosives. However, your kids will undoubtedly want to get involved. Some forms, such as novelty snaps and sparklers, are OK as long as you supervise and handle the lighter.
Once your child reaches middle school, they can move on to more advanced fireworks, such as cone fountains and ground spinners, but adults should continue to be in charge of larger fireworks displays.
7. Light one at a time
Although it’s tempting to twist the sparkler leads together, don’t do it. You could cause a serious explosion. Fireworks should be lit one at a time.
8. Come back
After lighting the fireworks, exit Dodge. You should stay at least 35 feet away from the ground version and 150 feet away from the aerial version.
9. Wear hearing protection
Fireworks can be loud and frighten pets and people with post-traumatic stress disorder. It can also damage your hearing. A pack of earplugs costs less than $10 at almost any hardware store. Those who are sensitive may wish to invest in hearing protection, such as those worn by professional shooters.
10. Quit drugs and alcohol
Some things require sobriety, including fireworks. Whoever is in charge of the show should remain alcohol and drug-free, at least until the finale.
11. Learn how to handle it correctly
Fireworks can be extinguished with the trash, but you must also follow the safety rules here. Soak used sparklers in a bucket of water for a few hours, then wrap in plastic and discard. Once you do this, make sure your trash can is away from the garage and away from any buildings, just in case.
Danger-free, dazzling fireworks display
The beauty of fireworks makes them worth the risk. Follow these tips for a risk-free, dazzling display that will wow your guests and leave them with lasting memories.
About the Author
Oscar Collins is the editor-in-chief of Modded and writes about health and fitness. Follow him on Twitter @TMModded Get regular updates on his work and subscribe to Modded Minute to learn more!
