According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety: “Every year, safety is our first priority as families begin to plan their Fourth of July festivities.”
“While fireworks are the most iconic and festive way to celebrate our country’s independence there can be dangers if fireworks are used improperly,” said Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety.
Here are tips for staying safe with fireworks this summer:
· First find a flat surface to light your fireworks
· Next, give yourself plenty of distance—at the least, over 30 feet of leeway
· Have your audience be at least 30 feet away as well
· Never light your fireworks in a covered area like a carport or garage
· Follow the recommended guidelines on each firework
· Do not let kids light fireworks
· When it comes to disposing of used fireworks, place them in a bucket of water first
· When it comes to sparklers, which can get hot enough to melt glass, never hand them to your child while they’re burning
· One of the most common injuries in fireworks is to children under age 12
· Stay out of restricted areas
· Check for trees overhead
· Wet down the area you’ll be lighting the fireworks
· Clean out rain gutters
· Remove overhanging shrubs or trees
Fireworks are allowed for 3 days before and after the 4th of July and between 11:00 a.m. and 11 p.m. On the 4th of July, residents can light fireworks until midnight.
· If you see a fire starting, call 911 IMMEDIATELY
· If fireworks get out of control-do not approach them. Once fireworks are ignited they won’t be able to be extinguished until they finish their cycle
· Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles
· Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water with a water hose nearby
· Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Just like driving and drinking, they don’t mix
· Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away
· Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks
· After purchasing fireworks store them in a cool, dry place
· Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers
· Do not experiment with homemade fireworks
· Ensure all pets and animals are away from firework noise
Also, the National Council on Fireworks Safety warns us by saying, “There has been an increase in injuries among youth that have used fireworks in videos unsafely to impress their friends or to get a laugh. We want parents to help us put a stop to using fireworks in viral videos by encouraging safety and by explaining that the improper use of fireworks can produce serious injuries or even death.”
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a non-profit 501(c) organization dedicated to educating the public about the safe and responsible enjoyment of consumer fireworks. For more information visit http://www.fireworkssafety.org.
On July 1 this ban will include all of unincorporated Box Elder County, if you are going to buy fireworks be sure that you only light them where allowed and please be safe. You are responsible for anything that happens after you light that fuse
