Staying Safe With Fireworks
Do you remember when you were a kid and the 4th of July fireworks show seemed so bright, vibrant, and large? Have you been trying to recapture that feeling for some time? If you are, you’re not alone. The fun, enjoyment, and nostalgia of a firework show can leave a lingering impact on spectators. Fortunately, it’s possible to shoot off fireworks anytime of the year, as long as you do it within the bounds of local law, state law, and follow proper safety procedures. But what are the safety procedures involved in putting on a fireworks display? If you’ve been wondering about that for a while or simply want to ensure a safe and fun event, keep reading to learn more about safely handling fireworks at your next celebration.
Use Them In A Clear Area
Every single fireworks package and website typically has a disclaimer or instructions for use of the fireworks. Many of them State obvious things such as wearing protective gear, using them properly per instructions, and utilizing firework safety. But they also stayed a very important part of firework safety: using fireworks in a clear area away from structures. Not aiming a fiery, sparky, pressure loaded firework at trees, homes, sheds, vehicles, and other people seems like a pretty obvious safety precaution. Unfortunately, mishandling fireworks by using them in enclosed areas leads to millions of dollars in damages every year. It also causes damage to homes and individuals when it happens. Avoid these troubling statistics bye using fireworks appropriately, and you should end up with a fun experience instead of a possible interaction with emergency services.
Don’t Let Kids Play With Them
It should go without saying that you shouldn’t let very small children play with fireworks, but unfortunately it happens frequently. Every year, many people get hurt by mishandling fireworks. A percentage of them are young children. Since about 1999, over 8500 individuals have been treated for severe burns or fireworks related injuries. These usually affected the hands, eyes, head, face, and chest. Although injuries occur from time to time, they can largely be prevented with the right safety procedures. If you’re handling fireworks, it’s important to wear safety gear and personal protective equipment. Kids should never be allowed to play with fireworks unsupervised and it’s best to leave the fireworks fun to the adults in order to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable experience.
Never Relight Them
One of the worst things you can do, at least in regard to fireworks safety, is to relight a firework. A lit firework should be allowed to take its course and perform its intended effect. It can be disappointing when they don’t, but resist the urge to try lighting it again. Fireworks can become unpredictable. There is no telling what might happen, and it could even become dangerous, so always put safety first. Sometimes, fireworks go bad or don’t light properly. It happens. Be sure to follow all safety instructions and use caution when using fireworks. It’s up to you as a responsible fireworks user to create a safe environment for your guests and ensure no one attempts to relight your fireworks once they’ve been spent.
Keep A Bucket of Water Nearby
As far as safety goes, taking precautions is just as vital as any other safety measure you might take. There’s a reason commercial buildings have emergency exits and fire extinguishers: to keep people safe just in case. The same logic should apply when discussing fireworks. A bucket of water and a fire extinguisher are the best friends of anyone shooting off fireworks. Soaking bad or spent fireworks in a bucket of water overnight is one of the best disposal methods you can use.
Buy From A Reputable Vendor
Poorly made fireworks, counterfeit fireworks, or even just inferior ones can be hazardous. Quality should be a very benchmark by which you assess and purchase your fireworks, regardless of the occasion. These fireworks can explode early, behave unpredictably, or simply not go off at all. That’s why it’s even more crucial to ensure the reliability and reputation of the fireworks vendors. When making an online fireworks purchase, don’t forget to check out reviews, learn about the vendor, and ask questions as needed. Check out product videos and reviews. Make sure the products are of high quality, well reviewed, and that they can be shipped to your state. A repeatable vendor will make things right in the event of a poor quality product, help you find the best fireworks for your show, and provide stellar quality customer service or loyalty initiative to keep you coming back for more.