As warmer weather arrives and Independence Day approaches, fireworks may be part of your various summer celebrations. While the bright colors and flashing lights of fireworks are a great addition to a summer party, make sure you use common sense and a few basic safety guidelines to keep the fun from turning into a fire or injury.
- Buy fireworks from a reputable source; don’t alter them and don’t use homemade fireworks.
- States have different rules for fireworks; if they’re illegal, leave them to the professionals.
- Follow local laws when shooting and report any illegal explosives.
- A designated adult should supervise all fireworks, and children should not handle them.
- Use fireworks outside in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and animals.
- Have water buckets or a hose nearby.
- Soak duds and spent fireworks in water before disposing of them in the trash.
- Never consume alcohol before shooting fireworks.
- Light fireworks one at a time.