Be Safe on 4th of July – Don’t Mix Fireworks & Firewood
Be Careful with Fireworks
Nothing says 4th of July in The United States of America like a spectacular fireworks display! Typically Americans think that out-of-control aerial fireworks are the most dangerous and cause the most unwanted fires. However, most of the time it is the small “firework” that causes fire.
According to a Newsweek article, firecrackers and sparklers cause 40% of all fireworks related accidents. In fact a Connecticut woman died as a result of a sparkler being thrown through her window as a prank according to the Time Union. The tip of a burning sparkler can reach a temperature of 1,200 degrees and cause 3rd degree burns, just imagine what would happen if a burning sparkler is thrown on a pile of kiln dried firewood? Nothing good, I can assure you!
Think Ahead When Using Fireworks
Common sense and fireworks are a must for a safe 4th of July. There are important rules of thumb to follow to keep firewood and fireworks away from one another.
When using fireworks, it’s a good idea to make sure to clear all debris for 30-50 around your house according to CBS News. This way, if firewood is set on fire by an errant firework, it will not immediately spread to your home or other sources of fire and flow out of control. By keeping all firewood racks or firewood holders away from your dwelling, you will be able to isolate the mistaken fire and put it out quickly and safely.
It’s also a good idea to have a bucket of water close by to put spent fireworks in to make sure they are out completely.
Fireworks Safety Tips
There are tried and true ways to make sure your 4th of July does not turn tragic. The National Fireworks Safety Council advises all 4th of July celebrations follow these safety tips in order to ensure that the fireworks show stays fun and safe:
- Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
- Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
- FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
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