Do Not Forget the Safety Tips

It is an option to NOT use fireworks on holidays, celebrations, or special events. I believe that it is NOT an option to use fireworks that are illegal in your state. Most people do not think about the negative consequences that fireworks hold. That is why it is important to find out and understand the effects that fireworks have if not used properly. In my own opinion, if you want to be a part of fireworks then go to a public fireworks display instead of buying your own, besides it is a lot cheaper and it is better on our environment. I think that many people only think about a small list of safety rules that people must follow to insure safety. Those rules might be: do not let small children posses them, use in an open area, use them only outdoors, do not light near your face, get away quickly after lighting, etc. That is why I am going to add to those universal safety rules, so there are less injuries and fires.

If you choose to use fireworks it is important that you follow all of the rules listed below:

1. Children Should Not Handle Fireworks. Never let children handle, play with or light any fireworks. Fireworks should only be handled by adults.

2. Do Not Use Alcohol With Fireworks. Please do not consume alcohol when using fireworks. Fireworks must be used by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not impaired in any way.

3. Follow the Laws; Use Common Sense. Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; and do not make your own fireworks. Use common sense at all times in handling fireworks.

4. Use Fireworks on a Hard Surface. Use fireworks on a hard, flat and level surface, not on grass or gravel. If you are using fireworks on grass, lay down a strong piece of plywood as a shooting surface. You must do what you can to insure the stability of the items as you use them.

5. Use in a Clear, Open Area. Use fireworks in a clear, open area, making sure the area overhead is free from obstructions. Keep the audience a safe distance away from the shooting site. Watch out for dry grass, dry brush or any flammable items that could catch fire. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

6. Keep Clear of the Fireworks. Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product at any time. Never look into a tube to check on the firework item. Never hold a lighted firework in your hand.

7. Use Care in Lighting the Fireworks. Always light fireworks products with an extended butane lighting device, a Phantom pyro-torch, a punk or a flare. Light the fuse only on the tip. Use a flashlight at night so you can see the fuse. Never use a lantern or other flame-producing device near fireworks for illumination. Light the fireworks product and get away quickly.

8. One at a Time. Light only one firework item at a time.

9. Do Not Use Malfunctioning or “Dud” Items. Don’t persist with malfunctioning items. Never attempt to re-light, alter or fix any “dud” firework item.

10. Have Water Close By. Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby. During any fireworks shoot there should always be someone assigned as the fireman, whose job it is to be alert and at the ready with a water source for emergencies.

11. Windy Conditions. Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions. Light fireworks with prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators. If there is a wind shift during your shooting, you should stop or rearrange your shooting site to accommodate the wind shift. 12.

12. Use Care in Handling Fireworks. Use care in handling fireworks and be careful not to drop them. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket. Never smoke when handling fireworks.

13. Never Use Fireworks as Weapons. Never use fireworks as weapons. Never aim, point or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.

14. Storage of Fireworks. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of fireworks properly.

15. Use Fireworks Outdoors. Use fireworks outdoors. Never use fireworks indoors.

16. Special Reloadable Rules. Never use a wet or damaged shell or launch tube. Insert shell all the way into the bottom of the tube, flat end down. Never force a shell into a tube. Use only one shell at a time. Wait at least 30 seconds between loading shells. Never ignite a shell outside of a launch tube. Never take the shell apart. Never relight a fuse that fails to ignite the device. After lighting the fuse, move a minimum of 20 feet from the launch tube.

17. Purchase Fireworks from Reliable Dealers. Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any fireworks; do not attempt to make your own fireworks.

18. Safety Glasses. Safety glasses are recommended for individuals lighting fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.

19. Use Caution with Animals. Be careful with animals. Noise and lights of fireworks often frighten animals.

20. Do Not Transport Fireworks on Airplanes. Do not transport fireworks on airplanes; it is a violation of federal law

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