How to Avoid Injury on the Fourth of July

The Fourth of July, otherwise known as Independence Day, is a time when many people decide they want to go out and purchase fireworks to set off at home. Oftentimes they have no experience with lighting or disposing of these mini explosives and end up injured due to inadequate safety measures. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while you are setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase your fireworks from a refutable outlet. Know what is legal in your state. Fireworks that shoot off into the sky might be fun to watch, but they are very dangerous. These types of fireworks are illegal in most states, but are often sold in fireworks stands and stores. Leave the big fireworks to the experts. Buy a kit that does not include any explosives that leave the ground.

2. Designate an experienced adult to light the fireworks. Do not ever let children light any fireworks, no matter how innocuous they may appear. Children (and adults) have blown off fingers and hands when lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July.

3. Use a long lighter to light fireworks. Matches may not light and may make you waste valuable time. Do not try to re-light any fireworks that have already burned and did not fire. This is extremely dangerous, as the may go off unexpectedly. Pour water on the dud and then remove. After lighting the firework, move away quickly to a safe distance.

4. Keep onlookers well away from the fireworks display. People who are watching should be at least 50 feet away from the display, and preferably have something they can move behind if there is a mishap. Because fireworks are unpredictable, it may be necessary to move quickly to get out of the way of a rogue spark or shooting rocket.

5. Choose an area that is open, free of homes and has no dry vegetation to set off fireworks. In addition, stay out of the street if possible. Fireworks can shoot into homes and cause a serious fire. In addition, if you set off fireworks in the street and a car comes, it can cause car fires and explosions. Do not run out into the street to pick up a firework if you see a car coming.

6. Watch out for animals as you set off fireworks. Keep your own pets inside and be careful of any stray animals that may be frightened by your at home fireworks display. Thousands of animals are injured every year by stray fireworks.

7. Have a hose or large bucket of water next to the area where you are setting off the fireworks. You can easily put spent fireworks into the water to ensure they are completely safe for disposal. Often people throw fireworks in the trash and do not realize they are still hot. This can start fires in trashcans and even homes. Completely saturate all fireworks before disposal.

[Mindee94]

on 7/3/2009 excellent and very timely points... I'm the water girl for our home fire work exhibition... why was that cool when I was ten... anyways, great points all should keep in mind! Thanks, Mindee