6 Summer Firework Safety Tips
Aren’t summers in Idaho the best? Summer cookouts on the Snake, camping under the stars at countless get-back-to-nature locations, county fairs (not to mention county fair food!), s’mores, and some of the best firework displays you’ve ever seen on the 4th of July!
Idaho is a practically perfect summer spot, but Idaho is also dry, and dry environments are prime locations for easily started fires…especially in the summer with those aforementioned BBQs, campfires, and fireworks.
And with Independence Day fast approaching, here are 6 summer firework safety tips to keep in mind for your ideal Idaho summer celebration!
- Leave the fireworks to the professionals. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) suggests attending public displays rather than lighting your own fireworks at home. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an average of 280 people are reported going to emergency rooms around July 4th.
- What about products from firework stands? Playing with sparklers and poppers before the big show are as classic a 4th of July tradition as BBQs and apple pies! But remember: safety first, especially with young children. Adult supervision is key. For example, sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit! No young child should be left to his or her own devices when fireworks are involved. Speaking of being left to one’s own devices…
- …don’t handle (or let others handle) fireworks while intoxicated! This has just as much to do with overall safety as it does with fire safety. Always have a designated firework lighter if you have any fireworks from the roadside stands…and have a designated driver if you’re attending someone else’s celebration!
- Don’t re-light the duds. This one is pretty simple, but often forgotten. When a firework doesn’t work properly, just stay away, because you never know!
- Keep water close by! Perhaps it’s a given to keep water near fireworks, but a friendly reminder doesn’t hurt! Whether it be a hose or a bucket, make sure there’s quick and easy access to water when handling fireworks.
- Finally: keep fireworks away from your home! We at Elite Restoration are happy to help you and your loved ones with restoring and repairing any fire and smoke damage to your house…but that doesn’t mean we actually want your house to catch on fire! Light fireworks in the road or at the very least, the end of your driveway if it’s a longer one. If you live near a large field, it’s best to take your sparklers to a parking lot that allows it in your area.
These are only a few summer safety tips, and there are plenty of others to consider. But these basic should get you started for a fun and safe 4th of July celebration!