Stay Safe with Fireworks

Fourth of July is coming up and that means there are going to be fireworks galore all across Florida. Even though blowing up fireworks is fun, it's important to take some precautions into mind. The U.S. Consumers Product Safety Commission offers a few tips for those who'll be setting off their own firework celebration.

1) Younger children should stay away from fireworks: The U.S. Consumers Product Safety Commission advises that children under 12 shouldn’t be handling fireworks. For those over 12, they should be under constant supervision.

2) Drink responsibly: While it’s a great time to celebrate, it can be all too easy to have too many drinks. If at all possible, plan to have a designated driver for times when drinking is involved. Plus, fireworks and drinks do not mix.

3) Watch where you light: The rain has been off and on, but there still may be some dry areas near where you live. If there are, make sure to avoid those areas with any lit firework. A single stray spark can ignite a fire that can get out of hand quickly.

4) Keep a bucket of water for used fireworks: Just because the sparks have stopped flying out the firework doesn’t mean it’s safe. It’s a good idea to douse the fireworks after they’ve been used to make sure that there are no more explosives inside that could go off unexpectedly.

5) Use sparklers safely: Though they look pretty and seem harmless, sparklers can be extremely dangerous. They can reach up 1,200 degree Fahrenheit and shoot off sparks that can ignite flammable objects. It’s important to use caution with sparklers and only use them in wide, outdoor areas.