Fireworks Safety

Every year around the 4th of July, IFD runs numerous medical calls involving injuries from fireworks.  By following the fireworks safety tips below, we can ensure everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day!

 Fireworks safety tips from the NFPA and Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Only ignite fireworks outdoors.
• Keep a water source or garden hose nearby.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface or according to instructions.
• Keep fireworks away from structures and combustible/flammable materials.
• Be sure others are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time and only use a punk (a smoldering stick used for lighting a firework fuse) or an extended butane lighter.
• DO NOT attempt to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• DO NOT pick up malfunctioning fireworks for several minutes, then place them directly into a bucket of water.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Safety tips to avoid injuries from sparklers:

• Sparklers reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees!
• Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out.
• Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water.
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arms length.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• DO NOT throw sparklers.
• DO NOT hand a lighted sparkler to another person and always stand at least six feet from other people while using sparklers.
• DO NOT hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.