The Fourth of July is a day of celebration. We celebrate what makes our country great, while also celebrating those who have fought to keep us safe. Just as men and women across the country have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our safety, it is important you ensure your guest’s safety if you are hosting this Fourth of July. Despite their beauty, fireworks may pose a serious threat.
What are some pre-display tips?
While most people are understandably eager to begin the festivities, there are several things you should first keep in mind before you start the show. By taking these simple precautions, you may be able to prevent a disaster–or stop one dead in its tracks.
- Do not buy fireworks that come in brown paper. These are professional fireworks and are disproportionate to small, enclosed neighborhoods. You will be putting your friends, family and neighbors at risk by igniting them
- Be sure there are adults present–children should never have access to fireworks
- Keep a garden hose on standby. In the event of a fire, you need to be prepared. If you have a hose nearby, you may save your barbecue, your house, or even your life.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Never ignite fireworks in a glass or metal container
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before purchasing
- Keep your pets inside–they may be frightened by the noise and burning smells, causing them to run off
What should you know about lighting off fireworks?
Once you have taken the proper precautions and are sure that everything is safely prepared, you should next focus your attention on safely igniting the fireworks. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Wear eye protection while lighting fireworks
- Only light one firework at a time
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Never light a firework in your hand
- Ensure everyone is a safe distance away
- Quickly back a safe distance away after lighting a firework
- Never throw or point fireworks at another person–consider it a loaded gun
- Never pick up and relight a firework that did not properly combust
- After a firework combusts, wait 20 minutes and then douse it with cool water before throwing it away
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol while igniting fireworks
The Fourth of July should be a fun time for all, and while it is often a day of partying, it is important you ensure everyone’s safety while doing so.
Contact our firm
If you or someone you know is involved in a fireworks accident, then you should not hesitate to contact one of our experienced attorneys today, as you may be entitled to compensation. This compensation may cover medical bills, in-home care, and more. You should not have to suffer due to someone else’s negligence. You have our promise to tenaciously defend your rights if you are the victim of a firework accident.
