Fireworks Safety

General safety tips
To help you celebrate safely, follow these safety tips:

· Always read and follow label directions. Even legal fireworks might not be safe. For example, sparklers can reach temperatures above 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
· 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 trash can.
· Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
· Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
· Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
· Always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
· Stay away from "consumer fireworks" and illegal explosives.

Safety tips for public fireworks displays

The fire service is usually responsible for the public's safety when a large-scale fireworks display is presented. The actual firing of the display is conducted by a trained pyrotechnic operator and crew. These professionals are required to know and comply with all state and local regulations.

The following tips should help make the display more enjoyable to the public, as well as make the display as safe as possible:

· Spectators should obey all ushers or monitors and respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to safely do his job. Resist any temptation to get close to the actual firing site. In fact, the best view of the fireworks is from a quarter of a mile or more away.
· Although it rarely happens, it is possible that a firework component might fall to the ground without exploding. Be cautioned not to touch these fireworks. If they happen to find any which have not exploded, they should immediately contact the local fire or police department.
· Leave pets at home if you are going to a fireworks show. Pets have very sensitive ears and the booms and bangs associated with a fireworks display can be quite uncomfortable -- particularly to dogs. In fact, the noises can actually hurt their ears.
· Leave the lighting of all fireworks to the trained operator when you attend a public display. Sparklers, fountains and other items that many states allow for use by private individuals are not appropriate to use when a large crowd is present.