Fireworks on the 4th of July have become an American tradition. Chris Paige, from the Ann Arbor Police Department said, “As we get closer to the fourth of July holiday, we urge everyone to prioritize safety when using fireworks. Fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires if not handled responsibly. To stay safe, we urge community members to familiarize themselves with our local fireworks ordinances. It is also very important to never allow children to handle fireworks. Additionally, we kindly request that you consider your neighbors and their pets well-being and show respect during this time.”
The best safety tip when enjoying fireworks this 4th of July is to go watch a professional show. But if you are determined to have your own show, here are some other safety tips to make your holiday fireworks show fun and safe.
Buy fireworks from a reliable, licensed store
When buying your fireworks, licensed and reliable dealers carry only products that meet the standards set and enforced by the U.S. Consumer Product Commission. They are tested for compliance. Please do not use homemade fireworks.
Choose the right location outside and designate a safety perimeter.
Make sure the area you use is a hard flat surface. It is best there are not overhanging branches or bushes nearby. Spectators should be back around 150 feet.
Keep children away from fireworks (except for sparklers)
Children should not handle, play with or light any fireworks. The only people handling and lighting fireworks should be responsible adults.
Supervise children when they are handling sparklers. Sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can ignite clothing and some children have received severe burns from touching body parts or dropping sparklers at their feet.
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Don’t forget about your pets
To reduce anxiety and stress, keep your pets indoors. Close blinds or curtains and turn on the TV or radio to help drown the sounds. You might want to fill their treat toys with their favorite treats to keep them distracted and their minds busy.
Be kind to your neighbors
Set off your fireworks display at a reasonable hour and not late at night. Your neighbors can enjoy your fireworks with you, but they do not want to be bothered at late hours by the loud sounds.
Never handle fireworks when impaired by drugs or alcohol
Only sober responsible adults should be in charge of lighting fireworks. Being in an altered state can result in accidents.
Use only one firework at a time and move away as soon as it’s lit
Many people like to light multiple fireworks at one time to have a spectacular show like those that are professionally done. Do not do this. Light only one firwork at a time and once the fuse is lit, make tracks to get back to a safe distance.
Keep water nearby while lighting fireworks
Keeping a bucket of water nearby while lighting fireworks is a good precaution in case of malfunctioning fireworks. If one does not ignite, drop it into the bucket so that it doesn’t go off unexpectedly. It is also good to have water nearby in case of a fire. Once you finish your fireworks show, put all of your used fireworks and duds into a bucket of water overnight for safe disposal.
Never hold a firework in your hand or near your body
To safely light fireworks, make sure that they are away from people and animals. Using a stem lighter is best as it has a long tube for lighting at a distance.
Check your local laws
Before your fireworks show, make sure you know your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks. And make sure that you use common sense. If it doesn’t look safe, don’t do it.
Be careful and cautious this 4th of July, but try to have a safe, fun family experience. Fireworks can be a fun holiday tradition, but make sure to use common sense to make this 4th of July a safe fun holiday event.
