Northern Kentuckians are gearing up for firework displays as they celebrate the Fourth of July.
Avoid injury while handling fireworks and keep the fun going all night with these firework safety tips from the National Safety Council and the Department of Homeland Security.
Tips:
- Always have a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of any incidents or for fireworks that don’t entirely go off. Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them.
- If a firework fails to ignite, let them sit for five to 10 minutes before putting them into a bucket of water. Never relight them.
- Designate a safety perimeter. The Department of Homeland Security recommends spectating from at least 35 feet away from ground-based fireworks and 150 feet from aerial fireworks.
- Supervise children with sparklers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for over 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries.
- Never stand over fireworks or light them while they are in your hand. Keep them on the ground and use a stem lighter.
- Keep pets indoors to help reduce their anxiety. To help distract them, try turning on the tv or giving them a toy filled with a treat.
- Only light one firework at a time; lighting multiple at once increases the risk of injury.
The National Safety Council recommends avoiding fireworks altogether by viewing a public display.
According to the council, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment due to fireworks-related accidents every year. Many of those people include children and young adults.
