eDose | July 2011
Fireworks Fun. Safety First!
Whether it's a booming display or sparklers in the back yard, nothing says “summer” like fireworks. With a few precautions, you can keep the rocket's red glare and stay safe.
Your best bet is to take in a public show – the people who present those are trained to set off fireworks safely.
Consumer fireworks are legal in most places in South Carolina and Tennessee, as long as they meet certain requirements dealing mainly with size and fire power. They are prohibited in certain cities such as Myrtle Beach, so check with local authorities before you proceed.
If you're setting them off at home, never use homemade explosives or alter store-bought firecrackers. Always supervise children – even a seemingly harmless sparkler can reach 2,000 degrees – and always keep a water supply nearby.
Keep the audience a safe distance away when you're setting off the fireworks so they can avoid stray sparks. If you're the person lighting the fuse, make sure your body isn't directly over the fireworks as you light and move quickly away from the area once it's lighted.
Some additional tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
· Always read and follow label directions
· Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
· Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
· Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
· Dispose of fireworks properly
· Never throw fireworks at a person
· Never carry fireworks in your pocket
· Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
· Don't buy fireworks that come in brown paper packaging. This often is a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
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