Many towns throughout New York allow residential use of Fireworks, but just because it’s legal does not mean it’s safe. According to authorities each 4th of July thousands of people are injured while using consumer fireworks. In addition, fireworks are the known cause of approximately 18,500 fires each year.
Here are a few safety tips from the National Safety Council about using legal fireworks:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
For more summer safety tips click here.