With the July 4th just around the corner, now's as good a time as any to remind friends and family of best practices before lighting up any celebratory fireworks. Here're few helpful tips for a safer Independence Day:
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the most common injuries associated with fireworks are burns that affect the hands, face, and eyes. They advise against pointing or throwing fireworks at another person, as well as against placing fireworks in any glass or metal containers when lighting them. They also suggest spraying used fireworks with water to avoid any increased chance of reigniting or catching fire, and stand a safe distance away when a firework is going off.
Josh Scheinblum for Connecticut's News 8 interviewed Bridget Schumack who owns Bridget's Sparklers in Clinton, CT. She says she's adamant about reminding kids 16 and over (the legal age to purchase fireworks in her state) to make sure there's an adult nearby, as well as a bucket of water and protective eyewear, if possible. Scheinblum also notes to be careful when allowing children to handle sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of up to 2000 degrees. Reminding viewers that sparklers are make of either wood or metal, he recommends keeping children clear of the hot metal ones, as they can potentially burn their skin.
Click below to SHARE these tips with your loved ones before the weekend!
Image: Christian Schnettelker/Flickr
