4th of July Firework Safety Tips
Happy 4th of July!
Fireworks will soon fill the skies all over this great nation as America celebrates Independence Day. John Adams himself predicted how we would celebrate the day in a letter he wrote to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776:
"The second day of July, 1776," he said, "will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."
While it came to be the fourth and not the second of July that we celebrate as Independence Day, John Adams was correct in his prediction of what the festivities of the holiday would be like.
As predicted, Americans coast to coast will be spending the weekend at picnics and parades, and celebrating the holiday with fireworks and sparklers. On this weekend especially, I urge everyone to help keep your families and homes safe by following the National Council on Fireworks Safety Guidelines below.
Be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July!
Safety Tips:
- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
- Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
- Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
- Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
- Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you!
- Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
Comments
You bet!
Thanks--glad you found this information valuable!
Valuable Tips
Valuable tips, of course. During the time of enjoyment and recreation, people are apt to forget about the need for taking security measures against the possible hazards of fireworks. This is a timely article, and it is sure that all people will pay attention to it. Thank you very much for the masterly approach and invaluable advice
Re: Jordan
I fully agree--always practicing general fire safety is of utmost importance, especially in our national forests.
Protect ourselfs
Yes nice tips. Evrytime you go out campoing in the woods dont light fires if NECESSARY and if you do have to make a fire never ever leave if unattended. Allways distinguish the fire with a lot of water even after is off. Protect the enviroment please
Moment of Zen
Haha--ah yes, exactly the situation we are looking to avoid ;-) Thanks Mary, hope you had a great holiday!
Moment of Zen
Did anyone see Jon Stewart's moment of Zen tonight? It was John King pitching an interview he was going to do later, with some fireworks expert. They'd be doing "all the things you shouldn't do on the fourth of July." With videos of dummies being maimed in the background. Lol.