Safety tips for setting off Fourth of July fireworks
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The Fourth of July is right around the corner, but before the oohs and aahs are in order, here’s a list of safety tips to make sure your fireworks go off with a bang.
Compiled by Phantom Fireworks, a consumer fireworks company based in Youngstown, Ohio, the list suggests reading all directions and labels on individual fireworks.
• Before lighting, all fireworks should be placed on a hard, flat and level surface that is clear of buildings, vehicles and shrubbery, especially dry grass and bushes.
• Grass, gravel and sand surfaces should not be used, especially for fireworks that must stand in an upright position. If those surfaces are used, officials at Phantom suggest placing a piece of plywood on the ground.
• Fireworks should be directed based on wind and away from the audience. Fountains and ground-based items should be about 35 feet from obstructions and aerials should be about 150 feet away. If the wind shifts direction while shooting, fireworks should be repositioned away from spectators, or fireworks should stop until the wind dies down.
• When lighting any firework, an extended lighter should be used, and the fuse should only be lit from the tip. The person lighting the firework should position themselves as far away from the product as possible, and should only light one product at a time.
• A water source and fire extinguisher should be nearby and one person should be ready to grab those items if necessary.
• After fireworks are done, they should be doused in water and placed in a sealed metal garbage can that is kept outside.
• When fireworks are not being used, they should be stored in a cool dry place away from children and should be placed in a sealed container to prevent sparks from active fireworks inadvertently igniting the idle ones.
Phantom also suggests only allowing adults to set off fireworks and following all state and jurisdictional laws.
A full list of product safety tips can be found at fireworks.com.