Firework Safety: How Not to Set Yourself and Your Home on Fire!
Fourth of July is a great summertime holiday with good food, family and friends, outdoor activities, and of course, Fireworks! The best way to stay safe is to leave the fireworks to the professionals. However, there are many of us that will not pass up the chance to set off a few fireworks of our own. Here are a few tips to make sure you don’t set yourself or your home on fire!
1. Make sure your smoke alarms are functioning properly
This is a normal maintenance activity that should be done each year already, so now is a good time to get it done! Test each smoke alarm and change the batteries as needed. Hopefully no one is setting off any fireworks in their home ;-). Flying embers and burning bits of debris can quickly turn your Fourth of July fun into a disaster.
2. Grab a fire extinguisher and have it on hand
Hopefully you won’t need a fire extinguisher, but is is better to have one on hand and know that it works before you need it. If you keep a fire extinguisher around on a regular basis they should be seasonally checked, so here’s a great reason to do it!
3. Keep a bucket of water handy
Always have a full bucket of water close by when setting off fireworks. If something hapens, you can quickly extinguish a lit firework.
4. PAY ATTENTION TO WHERE YOUR KIDS AND YOUR PETS ARE
Before you set off any fireworks, STOP, and be aware of where your kids and pets are. Let’s not discuss what could happen with kids running around in the line of fire, or your dog thinking it’s time to fetch.
5. Fireworks are DANGEROUS. Follow instructions and pay attention.
Take the time to read the instructions. No matter how many times you’ve set off fireworks, you never know whether they were manufactured the same from year to year. All fireworks are dangerous, even sparklers, which can burn up to 1,200 degrees!!! That’s hot enough to melt glass. Treat them with respect and again, always follow the instructions.
Have a fun and safe Fourth of July Celebration!