As we plan Independence Day celebrations, The London City Fire Department has released fireworks safety tips. Officials say safest way to enjoy 4th of July fireworks is to attend a community-planned fireworks show, however, if you still plan on using commercial fireworks, the National Safety Council shares some safety tips:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- 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 both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that do not go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks