The safest way to celebrate the birth of American independence is to leave the fireworks to the professionals, but if you’re planning a private celebration, here are some fireworks safety tips to keep you safe during 4th of July festivities:
1. Responsible adult supervision
A responsible adult does not give fireworks to children, does not drink alcohol while shooting off fireworks and obeys all local laws and regulations regarding fireworks.
2. Sparklers: Don’t touch the stick!
The stick on a sparkler burns at nearly 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s five times the temperature that causes water to boil! Glass melts at 900⁰ F. Do not for any reason touch the stick on a sparkler while it’s burning and have a small bucket of water handy for putting sticks in once the sparkler fizzles out.
3. Proper shooting technique
Legal fireworks come with instructions, so follow those. Make sure large fireworks are 30 feet away from people, cars, buildings and anything flammable. Place firework on a flat surface and point away from anything you don’t want to set on fire, like your house and friends. Use an extended lighter or long matches to light the fuse at arm’s length and quickly move away. Wear safety glasses.
4. Pets
Independence Day can be a particularly stressful holiday for pets, especially dogs. More pets run away on the 4th of July than any other holiday because it is an assault on the senses unless they are accustomed to hunting. Fireworks are loud, smelly and bright, plus the vibrations are closer to the ground than thunder or other relative noises. If you can, it is recommended to keep pets indoors or even with a sitter during this holiday. They’re not missing out! They will be thankful to you for making it a less stressful experience. If taking your pet with you, remember, they mimic your emotions so send soothing signals and pay attention to their level of anxiety. Keep them on a leash at all times.
5. Have water at the ready
Keep buckets of water around the firework area. Get a sprayer hose attachment so you can have the hose on and loaded without wasting water.
