FireworksThe 4th of July is a great time to gather with friends and family and celebrate.

Maybe you're entertaining guests for the July 4th holiday, or maybe you're on summer vacation somewhere special.

Whether you're lighting fireworks in your yard or attending a big fireworks show, this 4th of July, when it comes to fireworks safety, your goal should be keeping things fun and safe for everyone.

Captain Jim Doucette of the Sacramento Fire Department has seven tips we can all use to better enjoy any size fireworks show this 4th of July:

  1. Always use Safe and Sane Fireworks (if legal to do so in your community); never use illegal fireworks, as they are very dangerous and are responsible for many fires and injuries. And you can go to jail! 
  2. Never allow children to use fireworks. Only a responsible (not impaired!) adult should use fireworks. 
  3. Only use fireworks in an area that's free of anything combustible, such as dry grass, wood shingles, etc. Preferably, use them on a level, hard surface such as concrete. 
  4. Always have a water source close by, like a garden hose or bucket of water.
  5. After the firework is burned out, let it cool down for a few minutes, and then completely submerge it in a bucket of water, using something like BBQ tongs to grasp the firework.
  6. Always report any fire to 911, no matter how small. It doesn't take much time for a small fire to become a big one.
  7. Keep children out of the street while using fireworks. (According to Captain Doucette, they tend to respond to more auto vs. pedestrian calls on the night of July 4th.)

 Additionally, per the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  • Read and follow all warnings and instructions;
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks;
  • Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

Above all, Captain Doucette recommends everyone "be safe and use common sense."

Do you plan celebrate the 4th of July with (safe) fireworks?


Image via AlphaTangoBravo / Adam Baker/Flickr