The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate in the United States, and it’s important to go all out when it comes to festivities. Many people use fireworks; they’re perfect for brightening up our events, but they can quickly become very dangerous. Here are some of our safety rules to help you have fun without causing harm.
1.- Do not compress anything to anyone.
It’s important to choose your suppliers wisely! Always opt for officially recognized fireworks stores (these stores must have a sales permit issued by the local authorities). By choosing an authorized retailer, you’ll ensure you buy the right product and receive proper advice on how to use it. So be wary of any retailer who can’t advise you, offers to send firecrackers by parcel post, or doesn’t know the origin of their products.
2.- The importance of packaging and conservation.
Before the Fourth of July , it is not recommended to open or damage the packaging of fireworks; this preserves and protects them from moisture (which would render them useless) and heat (which would make them dangerous). A firework can be stored for up to five years, provided it is stored in a flat, dry place at room temperature to maintain its good condition. If moisture persists, unwrap the firework and try drying it in the sun.
3.- Choose your filming location carefully.
Fireworks aren’t toys, and choosing the right location to set off will help prevent accidents as much as possible. Above all, choose a clear location free of branches, hedges, etc. Stay away from any flammable materials and establish a safety perimeter around you where only you will be, and beyond which your guests won’t be at risk, as you’ll be a reasonable distance from the shooting location. Finally, wear protective clothing and plan to have a water source near the shooting location; you never know…
4.- Don’t stay on the sidelines!
This fourth tip for this Fourth of July may seem obvious. However, many fireworks fans don’t hesitate to get close to the fireworks if they don’t take off, or to stay within the safety perimeter once they’re lit. The rule is simple: light the firecracker and step back from the perimeter to be at the same height as your guests.
5.- A firecracker doesn’t explode?
If a firecracker doesn’t explode, don’t try to relight it. Stay out of the area, wait for the fuse to go out, and then stay away for at least 30 minutes.
6.- Aim your rockets at the right place
A firework, even if often mastered, is still a dangerous and unpredictable device . So never playfully threaten someone by pointing a rocket at them, don’t aim a lit firecracker at your house, and aim your firework automatically toward a clear sky (no trees, dryers, etc.).
7.- Alcohol and fireworks: a bad mix!
Alcohol and firecrackers never mix! Injuries and burns caused by using fireworks under the influence of alcohol number in the hundreds each year on the Fourth of July , so be careful!