The 4th of July is coming up and that means backyard barbecues, cottages and of course fireworks!
These amazing light show displays have us celebrating with friends and family as we watch the colors explode into the night sky.
While some of us head to a public fireworks show, others perfect to have their own.
Before you light up the night sky with sparklers and Roman candles, make sure you have taken the necessary safety precautions to ensure you and your loved ones are safe.
Consumer fireworks are legal in all but 5 states, which have an all out ban on the popular holiday item. Legal, however, doesn't mean safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says an estimated 7,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for burns and other fireworks-related injuries in 2008, with children under 20 sustaining more than half of those injuries.
Since setting off your own fireworks has a lot of risks, it's always suggested that people take advantage of local professionally organized fireworks show instead.
If you still plan on lighting up the sky on your own, follow these tips from CPSC and the National Council on Fireworks Safety.
Before you begin:
- Have a bucket of water or hose nearby. This is important to cool off spent sparklers, and fully extinguishing fireworks in case of fire.
- Choose a clear, flat area away from the housem any spectators, leaves and flamable material.
- Always wear closed-toed shoes.
- If you are the one igniting the fireworks, wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Other fireworks safety tips:
- Always read and follow the directions.
- Never relight a failed firework- wait 20 minutes before placing it in a bucket of water.
- Onlookers should be standing a safe distance away from where the fireworks are being ignited.
- Don't allow children under the age of 12 to handle sparklers.
Read about which fireworks we recalled on the next page.
Fireworks can be loud and often scare little ones and our pets when they explode near by.
Most people love to watch in fascination as the colors light up the night sky in different patterns.
While most people associate fireworks with Independence Day, their original use was for New Year's celebrations.
American Promotional Events is recalling its TNT Red, White & Blue Smoke Fireworks for fear that they can explode immediately after being lit. The company is recalling 36,100 units which were sold at popular retailers including Target, Walmart, Kroger, Meijer and Albertsons.
The defective products can create burns, and cause injury hazards to consumers.
The $5 fireworks came in a clear package and contained 3 canisters, one red, one blue and one white. Each firework has a round cardboard tube and the UPC code 027736036561 appears on the item's label.
Three separate injuries have been reported, so if you have purchased these fireworks do not use them and contact the company. The company can be reached at 1-800-243-1189, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or reached via email at info@tntfireworks.com
Sources: Good House Keeping / CPSC / History