Fireworks are fun to watch. Families who live in more rural areas outside the City limits sometimes put on their own neighborhood fireworks displays instead of going to a professional fireworks show.
But despite how beautiful they can look, fireworks are inherently dangerous. Each year, many people suffer from injuries due to fireworks, and there are fires and explosions that can be linked back to the use of fireworks.
To enjoy fireworks with less risk, it’s imperative to take proper safety precautions to prevent fire and smoke damage in Springfield Missouri.
Top Fireworks Safety Tips
It is crucial to understand that fireworks can lead to serious injuries if they’re not used properly. No matter if you’re attending an event or setting them off at home, they need to be set off safely. Use the following tips to stay safe.
Using Fireworks Safely
Always read instructions to make sure you’re using the fireworks as intended. Fireworks should be lit in a clear and open area, never indoors. Keep the fireworks away from people or flammable materials, and keep children and pets far away.
Do not pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully or try to relight them, as this increases the potential for injuries or a fire. Let them cool down before throwing them away. Keep a hose or a bucket of water nearby in case there is a fire.
Keep fireworks far away from any homes. A firework that lands on top of a roof can start a house fire that creates significant fire and smoke damage.
Children should not handle fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers seem like they’d be safer since they don’t explode, but each year, sparklers cause more than ¼ of all fireworks injuries, as they burn at about 2,000 degrees.
Adults should always supervise activities with fireworks, especially ones with sparklers.
Avoid using fireworks after drinking alcohol or if you are impaired. It’s better to wait until later or another day to light them.
Additional Fireworks Safety Tips
Do not light fireworks if it’s windy, as sparks can be blown into trees, grass, or buildings and start a fire. Wear safety glasses when lighting fireworks to protect your eyes.
If it’s been a long time since the last rain and the grass is brown and dry, it’s not safe to light fireworks. They could start a large brush fire.
Do not carry fireworks in a pocket, as friction can cause them to go off. Avoid carrying them in plastic, metal, or glass containers, and light them one at a time before stepping back quickly.
When lighting them, do not place any part of the body over the firework. Do not throw or point fireworks at anyone and make sure spectators are a safe distance away.
Storing Fireworks
Storing the fireworks outside of the home is a good idea. It’s important to keep them dry, so keep them in a storage shed or similar building that can be locked.
If the fireworks are going to be in an area with moisture, like a greenhouse, make sure they are wrapped tightly in a sealed plastic bag. Fireworks and other explosives cannot be stored in self-storage units.
Fireworks must be stored away from heat, ignition sources, and any flammable materials. They should be locked in a cabinet or container if any pets or children have access to where they’ll be stored.
Fireworks are a lot of fun, but they can be dangerous, too. If you ever need help with fire and smoke damage restoration after a fireworks mishap, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration. They’ll make sure the job is done right.