Safety Tips for Fireworks Season

flag-sparkler

Memorial Day weekend is coming up, marking the unofficial start of summer. And fireworks will be part of many backyard celebrations. We would like to remind you that all fireworks, including small firecrackers and sparklers, carry a serious risk of burn injury. Rocket-type fireworks cause more than 15,000 fires in the United States each year, accounting for about $20 million in damage.

Sparklers are a particular concern because they are considered relatively safe by many people. I know that I was allowed to play with lit sparklers from the time I was five years old, and most of my friends had the same upbringing. But sparklers burn at about 1200 degrees, and cause 16% of all fireworks injuries.

So, this holiday season, celebrate Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, summer, and family…but do it safely. If you choose to make fireworks part of your party, experts from the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommend:

  • Supervise children closely at events where fireworks are used, and never give fireworks to children.
  • Stay sharp–save alcohol until after the fireworks are used.
  • Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
  • Light one firework at a time, then move quickly away.
  • Never relight a dud firework.
  • Do not make homemade fireworks.
  • Have a bucket of water, water hose, or fire extinguisher nearby.
  • When the show is over, dispose of spent fireworks (including duds) by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from your home or other building until the next day.

Happy Summer, from all of us here at HensonFuerst Attorneys!