Oooooh! Aaahhhhhh! Uh Oh! – Fireworks Safety

Post by:  Gina Stone
 
Happy 4th of July!! All of us here at 2BeeReady want to wish everyone a SAFE and memorable Independence Day, and to thank the men and women –past, present and future that defend and protect our wonderful nation!
 
The 4th offers up some special safety risks when dealing with fireworks. In a nutshell, all fireworks– legal, or not, “safe and sane” or not, have the potential to cause serious injury and loss of personal property. Children ages 10 to 14 incur the highest rates of injury during the 4th of July holiday, according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
 
Check with your local government or fire departments on current restrictions for fireworks. With areas of severe drought and high fire risk in the south and southwest, places that would usually allow home fireworks have banned them this year. Areas of Texas have also banned professional displays due to the wildfire threat.
 
If you decide to go ahead with the home firework display, things you need to have on hand:
 
1. A responsible adult – note the qualification there. When it comes to fireworks, we all have a tendency to be kids again. Keep your wits about you and safety first and foremost. Remember drinking and fireworks don’t mix
2. Fire extinguisher
3. Bucket of water to put the spent fireworks in- soak for at least 20 minutes before discarding
4. BBQ type lighter or long matches
5. First Aid kit
 
Never light any kind of firework or sparklers indoors. And always keep fireworks on non flammable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt and away from grass, trees, buildings, and cars
 
I find the public shows put on by the cities and communities to be much more fun. The professional displays are always better, safer, and usually more economical for a family. You can do a quick Google search on “local fireworks displays” to find a show nearest to you.
 
Don’t forget about your pets this 4th of July. The loud noises are bothersome to some, and can lead to them bolting for an open gate or even jumping fences and running away. Make sure they are inside, and feel safe (never never tie your pet to anything while unattended! It can lead to strangulation). Check with your vet if they show a great deal of distress around loud noises.
 
Whether or not your 4th will include fireworks, enjoy the holiday, and the celebration of our great country!
 
Important Links:
NFPA
Directory of State Laws from the American Pyrotechnics Association
 
Photos courtesy of http://www.bigfoto.com/ and http://www.pdphoto.org
 
Gina Stone
Founding Contributor of 2BeeReady.org
 
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