Let Your Fireworks Fly (Safely)!

(Bratislava; New Year 2005; Fireworks. Photo by Wikipedia user Ondrejk.)

With the Fourth of July weekend right around the corner we’ll all be having our celebrations this weekend. Whether we’re relaxing, and just looking towards the sky, or setting them off ourselves fireworks are always included in that celebration. Fireworks are a highlight of our Independence Day celebrations, but they are also dangerous.

There were an estimated 8,800 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks during 2009, according to the report [pdf] by the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission.

During the period between June 19, 2009 and July 19, 2009 there were an estimated 5,900 fireworks-related injuries alone, according to that same report. You can enjoy these Fourth of July staples safely by doing the following:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

The New Hampshire Department of Fire Safety has a list of permissible fireworks and restrictions on its website, which everyone should check to make sure they’re using the proper fireworks.

So, follow these and other Fourth of July guidelines and be sure to have a fun and safe weekend.