Safety Tips for Handling Fireworks

Firework shows are always a lot of fun to watch and with summer coming up, more and more will be put on. Firework shows are a great activity, but the problem is that most of them are put on on the same day and afterward there aren't any for another year, which leads some people to do their own firework shows. Fireworks are not hard to find in the states where they are allowed, but that doesn't make them any less dangerous. Anyone can recognize the potential harm that can come from fireworks, so if you are going to put on your own fireworks show, be careful. Here are a few safety tips for dealing with fireworks.

Fireworks safety tips- make sure it's legal
One of the most important things you should do before you even buy fireworks is to make sure it's legal in your state or area. Many cities place bans on fireworks in the summer time when it's dry outside to prevent any fires from breaking out. Before you spend money on fireworks, be sure that you can set them off without getting ticketed.

Fireworks safety tips- keep your distance
Obviously, you'll have to come into contact with the fireworks when you are lighting them, but as soon as you light them back up! Make sure you keep everyone at a safe distance when you light the fireworks, and most importantly, that no one is in the fireworks' path when it is being lit.

Fireworks safety tips- keep the kids away
Kids, especially teenagers, may be very intrigued with the fireworks and want to try setting them off, but fireworks should only be handled by adults who know what they are doing. Children and teenagers have a tendency to not be as cautious as adults and setting off fireworks is not an activity where that can slide. Keep the kids at a distance when the fireworks are being lit.

Fireworks safety tips- do not relight fireworks
Every now and then you might get a defective firework that does not shoot up. If this happens, don't relight it or it could have some very bad results. Wait for the fuse to go out and dump some water on them to make sure they won't explode or take off late.

Fireworks safety tips- read the instructions
The best way to prevent an accident with fireworks is to know what you're doing and the best way to figure that out is to read the instructions. Every firework that you purchase should come with a set of instructions for lighting it, and if it doesn't, your fireworks probably aren't legal (which could be even more dangerous). Make sure you comprehend the instructions and keep them around just in case you need a second look at them.

Fireworks safety tips- keep a phone and first aid kit nearby
Many people have the "nothing bad is going to happen to me," mentality, but you have to understand that it could. If something bad were to happen when you are lighting the fireworks, you want to be able to call for help immediately if it is a serious injury and if it's a minor injury, you want to be able to treat it right away.