New Year’s Firework Safety Tips From the National Council on Fireworks Safety

Fourth of July, although the most popular, is not the only holiday where fireworks are used. New Year’s Eve is also a major day for fireworks displays. The same rules apply and so it is time to review all those safety tips once again. You don’t want to ring in a new year on a bad note.The National Council on Fireworks Safety has issued their top warnings for fireworks in order to keep everyone safe and within the law. Although the fireworks themselves go through a rigorous test before they even get to us it’s still not fool proof so let’s review a few of the rules to help make the holiday a happy one, not one spent in the ER.

• Know your fireworks; Read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Have a designated shooter to organize and shoot your family show.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

For a full list of consumer fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.

Contact: Ralph Apel, Press Contact, at 913 579-4529.

Please have a safe and happy New Year!!!