With the 4th of July right around the corner, we decided to add a blog post on fireworks safety. Typically we write about our shelving and how it’s a great and useful a product. However, not today! Instead, we’re here to spread the word on fireworks safety in this special edition holiday post.
Most Important Fireworks Safety Tip
Let’s start with the most important piece of advice when it comes to fireworks. The best thing, especially if you are inexperienced at lighting fireworks, is to not do it! It’s wise to refrain from touching anything and allow someone else to be the hero when lighting fireworks. Caution is always key and the smartest way to practice caution is to leave it to the experts.
However, if you are someone who traditionally lights fireworks on the fourth, we have some additional safety tips for you below.
More Fireworks Safety Tips
The following statements come from FireworksSafety.org. Using consumer fireworks on our nation’s birthday is as American as apple pie, backyard barbecues, and parades on Main Street. Now, it can be equally safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Nancy Blogin, President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Nancy also notes that thanks to the testing of consumer fireworks in China, through the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory and other testing programs, as well as rigorous enforcement of federal fireworks regulations by the CPSC, consumer fireworks today are safer than ever before.
Still, fireworks-related accidents do occur each year, and most of them could be eliminated with basic safety steps.
Common Sense Safety Tips:
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you!
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department
Safety Tips for Sparklers:
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Never throw sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges Americans to follow these common-sense safety tips for using consumer fireworks and sparklers in the hopes that injuries can be greatly reduced this holiday season. The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.
Happy Fourth of July
We at Omega Products would like to wish everyone a safe and joyous Independence Day. We’ll be back next month with more on wire shelving. But until then, Happy 4th!
America, America,
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.