Prevent a trip to the ER with these fireworks safety tips

The number of Americans planning to use backyard fireworks this Fourth of July is expected to hit an all-time high, according to The National Council on Fireworks Safety.

That means the opportunity for fireworks-related accidents is also high.

The NCFS says it has seen an increase in injuries among youth that have used fireworks in videos unsafely to impress their friends or to get a laugh.

As long as a consumer reads label directions and operates in a safe way, “fireworks are just as safe as anything else,” Nancy Rozzi, president of Rozzi’s Fireworks, told this news outlet.

“I’ve been in the business all my life and that’s what I know,” she said.

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The Consumer Products Safety Commission offers these fireworks safety tips:

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them

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