With Independence Day celebrations coming up, Nolin wants you and your loved ones to stay safe when using fireworks. The safest thing is to leave setting off fireworks to the professionals and one of the many public displays available in our communities – but if you are going to use them, follow some basic tips to keep holiday celebrations safe.
First, NEVER use fireworks anywhere near power lines. This includes the big green boxes you have in your neighborhood if you have underground electric service. They carry high-voltage electricity; do not use fireworks around them, touch them, or sit on them.
Here are some more fireworks safety tips for a successful holiday:
- Never allow children to set off fireworks.
- Follow any local codes, ordinances, and burn bans.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish any fires.
- Put used fireworks in a bucket of water before disposing of them.
- Spectators should keep a safe distance and be mindful of the direction of the wind.
- Light fireworks one at a time, and do not attempt to relight any that malfunction.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Be sure that the person lighting fireworks is not intoxicated or otherwise might have impaired judgement.