Fireworks Safety
IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS IN ELK GROVE WE HAVE LOST AT LEAST 1 HOME TO IMPROPERLY DISPOSED OF FIREWORKS AND 1 HOME EVERY YEAR TO ILLEGAL FIREWORKS. SO YES, IT CAN HAPPEN HERE ALSO.
A BIG SAFETY TIP FOR FIREWORKS IS IF USING IS TO LET THEM SOAK IN A BUCKET OF WATER OVERNIGHT BEFORE DISPOSING THEM INTO THE TRASH. INDIVIDUALS SHOULD ALSO HAVE A GARDEN HOSE ON STANDBY WHEN LIGHTING FIREWORKS.
How to Keep Kids Safe Around Fireworks
Attend public firework displays. Leave lighting fireworks to the professionals and watch from a safe distance away.
Give children glowsticks instead of sparklers. Sparklers can heat up to more than 1,200 degrees and are dangerous for young children.
Keep fireworks away from children. Make sure children stay are a safe distance away from a lit firework.
If children are going to be holding sparklers make sure they are wearing tight-fitting clothing and closed-toe shoes and should be supervised by an adult.
If You Choose to Use Legal Fireworks
If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:
· Never allow young children to handle fireworks
· Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
· Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
· Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
· Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
· Never light them indoors
· Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
· Never point or throw fireworks at another person
· Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
· Never ignite devices in a container
· Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
· Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
· Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
· Never use illegal fireworks
More Resources
National Safety Counsel: https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
National Fire Protection Association: https://nfpa.org
