Celebrate safely with fireworks

Interactive Guide
For additional fireworks safety tips, view the Fireworks Safety Interactive Guide that is informative for parents and fun for children.

Leaving fireworks to professionals best way to prevent injuries

The American traditions of cookouts and fireworks help us celebrate, especially while celebrating the 4th of July.

Fireworks, though fun and beautiful, can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children are injured while using them. Although legal consumer fireworks that comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations can be relatively safe when handled and used correctly, all fireworks are classified as hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act and therefore can cause injury, especially when used improperly.

Some fireworks, such as illegal firecracker-type devices (M-80's, quarter sticks) and professional display fireworks should never be used or handled by consumers or children because of the risk of serious injuries and death that can and do occur from such use or handling.

The best way to avoid pediatric trauma from fireworks, safety experts say, is to leave them to the professionals. Numerous cities and communities throughout the Metroplex host public fireworks displays on Independence Day.

Safety tips

However, if you plan to purchase and use fireworks, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following safety tips:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable sellers.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks to small children.
• If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

Tags: fireworks, safety, tips, prevention, injury, firecracker, fire cracker, fire works