Holiday Safety

Fireworks Safety

To help you celebrate safely this Fourth of July, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

• Always read and follow label directions.
   
• Have an adult present.
   
• Buy from reliable sellers.
   
• Use outdoors only.
   
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
   
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
   
• Light only one firework at a time.
   
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
   
• Never give fireworks to small children.
   
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
   
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
   
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
   
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
   
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
   
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
   
• Stay away from illegal explosives.