10 Hot Tips for Fireworks Safety

When used as directed, fireworks can help make special occasions like the Fourth of July fun and memorable. If used improperly, however, they can cause serious burns, fires, traumatic amputations and even death.

Now that consumers , it's a good idea to go over a few fireworks safety tips.

Safety first

So, who's most at risk for injury from fireworks? According to the National Fire Protection Association, it's kids ages 5-14.

"Each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks," the organization's website reads.

The American Pyrotechnics Association website  offers several fireworks safety tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety, which recommend that consumers:

1. Always read and follow label directions
2. Always have an adult present
3. – never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
4. Only ignite fireworks outdoors, light only one at a time and never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
5. Dispose of fireworks properly
6. Be sure to have water handy
7. Never give fireworks to small children
8. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
9. Never throw fireworks at another person
10. Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

For more fireworks safety information, visit the USCPSC website.

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