• A bucket of water or hose. Water is important for cooling off spent sparklers, fully extinguishing fireworks, and in case of fire.
• A clear, flat area away from houses, spectators, leaves, and flammable materials. • Closed-toed shoes. • Safety glasses for the person igniting the fireworks. • Let your young children use glow sticks instead of sparklers.
What Are Some Safety Tips?
• Leave fireworks to the professionals: Attend public fireworks displays and sit in designated areas.• If you plan on using fireworks, make sure they are legal in your area, and obey local laws. • NEVER purchase fireworks wrapped in brown paper – those are meant for professional use.
• Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives – they can kill! • NEVER light fireworks inside the home or near grass or other flammable material. Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
• Read and follow all firework instructions carefully. • Don’t wear loose clothing if lighting fireworks. • Let your young children use glow sticks instead of sparklers. • Teach older children to stand while using sparklers, and not to run or wave them. Use one at a time. • Don’t hold a child in your arms when lighting sparklers or fireworks. • Always stand when using sparklers, and after they have gone out submerge in a bucket of water. • Soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water before placing the in an outdoor trash can. • If a firework is a dud, don’t attempt to relight it, and don’t hover over it. Wait 20 minutes and submerge it in a bucket of water. • Stand by and supervise teens involved with fireworks. • Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix! Make sure the supervising adult is sober, prepared for emergency, and aware. • Call 911 if any severe or painful injury, and seek medical care in the ER if any eye injury.
JJ Levenstein, MD FAAP, is a Board Certified Pediatrician. You can take parenting classes with instruction by Dr. Levenstein online by visiting www.momassembly.com. Also, find helpful parenting products at www.mdmoms.com.
