Help Your First Responders Keep You Safe – Firework Safety Tips

The New Year and its celebration are only days away. Celebrating with fireworks is, by many, considered traditional. Want to help your first responders enjoy their own New Year’s celebrations? Consider the following list of firework safety tips.

1. Let the professionals handle it.

Photo: By Vito Palmisano

If you really want to give your first responders a break and allow them to enjoy their own traditional New Year’s celebrations, let the professionals handle the fireworks. Many major metropolitan areas around the state offer firework displays. Consider going to Fiesta Texas in San Antonio or catch the Rio Carnival in Austin. Dallas and Houston also have great firework displays on New Year’s Eve.

Check with your local chamber of commerce or go online to look for firework displays close to you.

2. Be aware of wildfire danger in your area.

Photo: Texas A&M Forest Service

Sparks from fireworks can cause fires. Under the correct conditions, like dry grasses and high winds, those fires can quickly become out of hand devouring everything within reach.  Other wildfire danger signs include forecasted temperatures, relative humidity, and what types of wildfire fuel are in the area. Wildfire fuels are grasses, brush, and trees surrounding the potential fire site.

You can visit the Texas A&M Forest Service page to discover what the current wildfire conditions in your area are.

3. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Photo: Pixabay/Peggy Marco

There is really nothing more to say on this subject. To repeat:

ALCOHOL AND FIREWORKS DO NOT MIX – PERIOD.

4. Know the basic fireworks rules.

Photo: Pixabay/geralt

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• 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.
• Do not light fireworks near dead, dry grass.
• 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.

5. Be ready in case of accident or injury.

Photo: Pixabay/Pixaline

Stand several feet away from lit fireworks. If a device does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it. Put it out with water and dispose of it.

Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly. Have a telephone nearby to call for help. Don’t wait until a fire is out of control to call the fire department.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.

Start 2017 out right, celebrate safely. Happy New Year 2017!