Fireworks Safety

With the 4th of July quickly approaching many people are going out and buying fireworks. Here is a quiz  (and answers) to take and test your knowledge on fireworks safety.

1. What is the first thing to do before lighting a firework? Read the warning or caution label carefully and follow all directions.

2. How do you know if you are buying quality legal fireworks? Always buy from a reliable seller

3. Where should you light watch fireworks? Always light outdoors away from combustible material, buildings and plants.

4. It’s always good to have _____ handy when having a fireworks display. water

5. How many fireworks should you light at a time? Light only one firework at a time

6. If a firework does not work after lighting it, how long should you wait before

trying to light it again? Never try to re-light a firework

7. Should small children handle and light fireworks? No

8. What should you do if a firework fails to work after lighting it? Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and then dump the fireworks in a bucket of water and let it soak.

9. Where should you store fireworks? If at all possible don't store fireworks. If you have to store them, store them in a cool dry place and keep them out of the reach of children.

10. How should you dispose of a discharged firework? Soak them in a bucket of water before disposing of them in a trash can.

11. How should you carry fireworks? Carry fireworks in their original bag or box

12. What part of your body should be over a firework while lighting it? No part of your body should be over the firework while lighting it.

13. What safety equipment should you wear when lighting a firework? Eye protection should be worn when lighting fireworks.

14. Are illegal explosives like M-80’s and Cherry Bombs really dangerous or just more fun? Illegal explosives are really dangerous and should never be used.

15. Is it safe to throw or point a firework at another person? It is never safe to point or throw fireworks at other people or animals.

16. How do you find out what fireworks are legal to buy and shoot in your city? Ask a reliable seller or your local police or fire department.

17. Should kids and teenagers be allowed to handle and shoot fireworks without a responsible

adult close by? Close adult supervision is always needed.

18. How many fireworks should you carry to the lighting area? One. All other fireworks should be kept at a safe distance so they don't accidentally become lighted.

19. What device should you use to light a firework? Expect for sparklers, a punk should be used to light fireworks. A match or lighter is required for sparklers.

20. Is it OK to drink alcohol and light fireworks? No. Have a designated lighter.

Here are some addition fireworks safety tips:

• Use fireworks in a clear open area.
• Light fireworks on a hard flat surface to make sure they don't fall and misfire.
• Do not allow young children to light or handle fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers are considered by many to be a safe firework, however they burn at a very high temperature, and can easily ignite clothing and cause serious burns.
• Older children should be closely supervised by an adult when using fireworks.
• Always be sure those watching are out of range of lighted fireworks, and take extra precautions under windy conditions.
• Never hold a lighted firework
• Never light fireworks indoors
• Water should be kept nearby to douse fire and to soak malfunctioning fireworks. Always soak spent fireworks before discarding them. Many structure fires are caused by smouldering fireworks discarding in trash cans near a structure.