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When many of us think of July 4th, our minds go straight to fireworks. Along with grilling, Main Street parades, and outdoor recreation, fireworks are a time-tested staple of Independence Day. However, when handled improperly, they can also cause serious injury – or worse. Even if you’ve set off fireworks in the past without any undesirable consequences, all it takes is one slip-up to destroy your flawless record. Fortunately, practicing firework safety is neither difficult nor complicated. In the interest of having an incident-free Fourth of July, put the following pointers to good use.
Never Operate Fireworks Under the Influence
For many people, alcohol consumption is synonymous with Fourth of July festivities. Whether you’re enjoying a barbecue, visiting loved ones or taking in a firework show, having a few drinks on the Fourth is hardly unusual. However, there are times when alcohol consumption is off-limits, and if you’re in charge of setting off fireworks at your next big shindig, you’d be wise to avoid indulging in alcohol or drugs. Both of these substances can impair judgment, and impaired judgment is the absolute last thing you want when dealing with fireworks.
A single mistake can create a fire hazard or cause significant personal injury, so if fireworks are going to factor into your next Independence Day gathering, avoid enjoying any alcoholic beverages until they’ve all been safely set off.
Exercise Extreme Caution When Lighting Fireworks
Even the act of lighting fireworks can be dangerous in the absence of the proper precautions. To avoid being hit head-on or caught up in the blast, avoid placing any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting it. You’ll also need to quickly back up a safe distance immediately after a firework has been lit.
Furthermore, it is imperative that you never attempt to re-light a firework that appears to be a dud. While dealing with potential duds can be disappointing, getting too close to one, attempting to pick it up, or trying to re-ignite it can result in serious personal injury – or worse. Instead, make sure to douse any prospective duds with water or sand. For this reason, you’ll need a hose, a bucket of water, a bucket of sand, or any combination thereof within easy reach. You’ll also need to douse any successfully ignited fireworks before proceeding to dispose of them.
Never Allow Children to Operate Fireworks
It’s easy to see why fireworks hold such an appeal to many children. After all, they’re loud, they’re illuminating, and can only be enjoyed at a certain time of year. That being the case, there’s little wonder as to why kids often want to take a hands-on role in setting off fireworks. Since fireworks pose a significant danger to children, you’d do well to forbid your little ones from handling them in any way. While they’re free to watch your firework displays from a safe distance, under no circumstances should they be allowed to ignite fireworks.
So, the next time your kids request to handle fireworks, take care to walk them through the many reasons this is an unwise idea. Additionally, to ensure that your children don’t find any fireworks you’re saving for the Fourth, store them in a safe location that’s inaccessible to kids. For maximum safety, all fireworks should be stored in cool, dry places.
Buy Fireworks from Dependable Sources
You must never attempt to make your own fireworks or purchase them from unreliable sources. Limiting your options to manufacturers and retailers that have solid track records with regard to safety can provide you with peace of mind and set the stage for a safe and enjoyable Fourth. Anyone who appreciates maximum convenience can easily find ways to buy fireworks online.
For most Americans, it’s hard to imagine the Fourth of July without fireworks. As an essential part of Independence Day, fireworks enable us to conclude our July 4th festivities with eye-catching displays that light up the night sky. However, in the wrong hands, fireworks can also be quite dangerous. Failure to follow firework safety precautions can result in property damage, personal injury, and worse. Luckily, most firework-related mishaps are much easier to avoid than you may think. To ensure that your next fireworks display goes off without a hitch, follow the measures outlined above.
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This content is brought to you by Richard Clayton.
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