The video above is from the Cobb County Fire Department and offers a few safety tips for you to follow before you start shooting off fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
Below is a full list of safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Always closely supervise kids around fireworks, even older ones. Many children burned by fireworks aren’t even lighting them. They’re just standing nearby when a firework goes off in the wrong direction.
- If you choose to give your kids sparklers, make sure they use them outside, wearing closed-toed shoes, holding them at arm’s length.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
- Never light them indoors.
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Light only one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Never ignite devices in a container.
- Do not try to re-light a dud.
- Don’t allow kids to pick up pieces of fireworks after they’ve exploded. Some may still be ignited and can explode at any time.
- Keep a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
- Completely extinguish used fireworks before throwing them away. This can prevent trash fires.
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
- Never use illegal fireworks.
- Keep matches, lighters and fireworks hidden from children when not in use.
