We want everyone to be safe this July 4 so here are some tips to keep you and your family safe this year.

 

Fireworks Safety Tips

1)     CHILDREN SHOULD NOT HANDLE FIREWORKS  Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.  Only adults should handle and light the fireworks.

2)     DO NOT USE ALCOHOL WITH FIREWORKS  Please do not consume any alcohol while lighting or handling fireworks.  Fireworks must be used only by individuals who act in a responsible manner and who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others.

3)     FOLLOW THE LAWS; USE COMMON SENSE  Follow your local and state laws regarding the possession and use of fireworks, and use good common sense when using fireworks.  Read all directions, cautions, labels, and warnings on each individual firework item to understand the product performance and hazards associated with it.  If your state has shooters’ sites, use them.  Use only those fireworks permitted under the laws of the state and local jurisdiction in which you are using the fireworks.

4)     USE FIREWORKS ON A HARD SURFACE  Always light fireworks on a hard, flat, and level surface to insure the stability of the items.  Grass is generally not suitable for any item intended to be used in an upright position. (If lighting fireworks on grass, lay down a flat wooded board for a shooting surface.)

5)     USE IN A CLEAR, OPEN AREA  Always keep the audience (and particularly children) a safe distance away from the shooting site.  Always light your fireworks in a clear open area away from buildings, vehicles, and shrubbery.  A minimum clear radius of 30 feet for fountains and other ground based items and 100 yards for any aerial product is recommended.  You should avoid lighting the fireworks in any area where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire or near any flammable items.  Never use fireworks indoors.  Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

6)     KEEP CLEAR OF THE FIREWORKS  Never put your head or any part of your body over the top of any fireworks product.  Never look into a tube to check on the firework item.  Never hold a lighted firework item in your hand. Keep as far from the firework item as possible when lighting.

7)     USE CARE IN LIGHTING THE FIREWORKS  Always light fireworks products with a punk, a flare or an extended butane lighting device.  This will enable you to keep as far from the firework item as possible.  If needed, use a flashlight at night so the fuse can be easily seen; never use a lantern or other flame producing device near fireworks for illumination.  Light the fireworks product and get away quickly.  Respect the fireworks, because if used improperly, they can be dangerous.

8)     ONE AT A TIME  Light only one firework at a time.

9)     DON’T USE MALFUNCTIONING OR “DUD”ITEMS  Never attempt to relight, alter, or fix any “dud” firework item.  If a firework item fails to ignite, let it stand for at least five minutes, then immerse it in water.  Dispose of any item properly.

10)    HAVE WATER CLOSE BY Have an accessible fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby for emergencies.  During any fireworks shoot, there should always be one individual assigned as the fireman, whose sole job is to be alert and at the ready with a water source.

11)    WINDY CONDITIONS  Be cautious of lighting any fireworks during strong wind conditions.  Fireworks should be lit with the prevailing wind blowing away from the spectators.  If there is a significant wind shift during your time you are lighting the fireworks, rearrange the shooting site to accommodate the wind shift or stop shooting until the windy conditions subside.

12)    USE CARE IN HANDLING FIREWORKS  Do not carry fireworks in your pocket.  It is preferable to keep the products in a closed container before ignition.  Always be careful in handling fireworks to prevent dropping them.  Never smoke when handling fireworks.

13)    NEVER USE THE FIREWORKS AS WEAPONS  Never aim, point, or throw any fireworks at another person or at any property.

14)    STORAGE OF FIREWORKS  Always store fireworks indoors, only use them outdoors in safe conditions

15)    USE FIREWORKS OUTDOORS  Never use fireworks indoors; only use outdoors in safe conditions.

16)    PURCHASE FIREWORKS FROM RELIABLE DEALERS  Buy fireworks only from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers.  Licensed and reliable dealers will only carry those products that meet standards set and enforced by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.  Do not use illegal explosives; do not alter any firework device; do not make your own fireworks.

17)    SAFETY GLASSES  Safety glasses are recommended for those individuals lighting the fireworks and those individuals in close proximity to the fireworks.

18)    BE CAREFUL WITH ANIMALS  The noise and lights of fireworks often frighten some animals, so it is very important that you are careful with pets and farm animals.  You may want to consider moving the animals away or keeping them inside during your display.  Please be considerate of your pets and animals when using fireworks.

19)    DO NOT TRANSPORT FIREWORKS ON AIRPLANES  It is a violation of federal aviation law to transport any fireworks device on an airplane.  Please respect this law and do not attempt to carry any fireworks onto an airplane or transport them in your luggage.

 

Top 10 4^th of July Driving Tips

1)     Don’t Drink and Drive  No matter if you are attending a holiday gathering close to home, or if you are on a road trip, drinking and driving is never a good idea.  Play it safe this 4^th of July and either have a designated driver to drive you home or call for a cab.

2)     Buckle Up!  Wearing seatbelts every time you drive is the easiest way to help keep you and your family safe in the event of an accident.  If you are traveling with small children make sure they are in a proper car or booster seat for their age group and height.

3)     Watch your speed!  State and local police officers will be out in full force during the 4^th of July week.  So make sure to obey the speed limits of the state you are in and keep a safe distance between cars in front of you! Remember, a speeding ticket can mean points on your driver’s license and a potential increase in your auto insurance rate.

4)     Check your tires  The last thing you want is your own “fireworks display” while on the highway.  That is why it is important to inspect your tires before you head out on your trip.  Make sure to check the tire pressure in your tires. Many drivers fail to do this – and low tire levels can potentially cost them more money in gas to fuel their car.  It is also a good idea to have your tires rotated by a professional mechanic before you leave on a long trip.

5)     Make sure your battery has enough juice  If it has been a few years since you replaced your car battery, you might want to do so before you leave on your 4^th of July vacation.  It is better to be safe than sorry when you are traveling far from home.

6)     Turn on your lights  Something many of us fail to check before leaving for vacation are headlights, tail lights and turn signals.  To ensure everything is working properly, have a family member or friend walk around the car while you test the car lights and signals from the inside.

7)     Pack a first aid kit and roadside assistance kit  It’s always a good idea to keep a first aid kit and a roadside assistance kit in your car at all times. You never know what could happen, so it is better to play it safe.  While you’re at it, consider packing a cooler of water, a flashlight, non perishable food and extra batteries.

8)     Rain, rain, go away!  The 4^th of July weekend can bring the sun and blue skies, but it can also bring rain storms.  That is why it is important to check the weather before you leave and during your trip.  If you do get caught in a torrential downpour, pull off to the side of the road or to a rest area until the rain has stopped.  And if the area you are in floods, don’t try to drive through it, find an alternative route.  You may have to back track a bit, but it will be worth it in the long run.

9)     Watch your surroundings!  One of the most popular ways to celebrate the 4^th of July is by attending a fireworks display at a local venue.  These types of events typically generate large crowds of people and pedestrians.  If you are driving to or from a fireworks celebration, make sure to drive with caution and care with these large crowds about.

10) Proof of car insurance  Whether you are traveling close to home or out-of-state you should always have your proof of car insurance in your wallet and in your glove box.  It’s a good idea to keep a disposable camera, note pad and pen in your car, just in case an accident occurs.