4th of July can be one of the most dangerous holidays. Be prepared with these Fireworks Safety Tips.
Grilling. Parades. Sunshine. Swimming. Drinking. Fireworks. These are some of the first words that come to mind to describe 4th of July.
While all in good fun, the combination of drinking and setting off fireworks can be dangerous – even deadly.
According to the National Safety Council, “in 2016, at least four people died and about 11,100 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment” from fireworks-related incidents (NSC.org). No one will forget the famous NFL Giant’s player, Jason Pierre Paul, whose career was significantly set-back after he lost multiple fingers in a fireworks-related accident.
Additionally, Fireworks are said to account for “1,300 structure files, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries,” each year (NSC.org).
So what can you do to prevent a problem, while still enjoying this 4th of July staple?
Fireworks Safety Tips:
Never allow your children to handle fireworks
Children should not be allowed to handle fireworks without adult supervision. Ensure that adults are setting up any and all fireworks, and assisting with ‘safe and sane’ fireworks (such as sparklers). You wouldn’t hand your child a bomb, right?
Don’t mix alcohol with driving or fireworks.
This is self-explanatory. Fireworks and driving both require your full and undivided attention.
Leave your pets at home.
Although your pets may become upset by the sounds of fireworks at home, they are safer in their own environment. An unknowing pet may wander into the path of a firework, or run away from the sounds of the blasts. If you must, crate your dogs to keep them from destroying your home while you are out.
Obey all local laws regarding Fireworks use.
Know your county and state laws regarding fireworks sales and use. See below for a general list of what states sell (or do not sell) fireworks. These laws only exist to keep you safe.
Only set off fireworks outdoors, and in an open and clear area.
Never set off a firework inside. Ensure you are in a large open space, and make audiences stand at least 35+ feet away if you are setting off fountains, and at least 150+ feet away for any aerial fireworks. Do not try to relight a firework that won’t catch, and never look down the barrel of a firework. Be sure to have water handy in case of an incident.
You can always leave the fireworks show to the professionals.
Rather than playing with fireworks yourself, take your entire family to a professional show. The fireworks will be much more impressive, and you can enjoy them from a safe distance. These shows are often free!
Here are some additional links for fireworks safety:
Familiarize yourself with fireworks safety, laws before holiday approaches (Wilx.com)
Best to Leave Fireworks to the Experts (NSC.org)
Local Laws – What you need to know.
While firework safety laws vary from state to state, there are some general laws to be aware of and follow.
- The Federal Aviation Administrations (FAA) “prohibits the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage”
- Consumer Fireworks are limited to 400 grams of composition and firecrackers may have up to 50 milligrams of flash powder.
- Delaware and Massachusetts ban the sale and use of ALL consumer fireworks.
- Illinois permits the sale of only wire or wood stick sparklers.
- Minnesota and Florida ONLY allow consumer fireworks that do not explode or fly through the air.
- The following 15 states allow the sale of ‘safe and sane’ fireworks such as novelties, fountains and sparklers; Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
- The following 29 states allow the sale of all consumer fireworks; Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming and Georgia.
- Nevada and Hawaii allow each county within the state to establish their own fireworks regulations.
Happy Holidays from the L-Tron Team!
Stay safe and enjoy your 4th of July
Questions? Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with the L-Tron team.
Call 800-830-9523 or Email info@L-Tron.com