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Safety, when dealing with fireworks, is extremely important. Please
follow the guidelines set forth by the following sources of safety
information.
PGI
Safety Guidelines
APA Safety Guidelines
By using the above and following guidelines, you will minimize
the risk of an accident to yourself and to others. Use fireworks
safely.
- Before attempting to light any fireworks, read ALL the instructions
carefully.
- Dispose of burned out sparklers and all fireworks in a sealed
container. Hot debris can injure a person.
Proper clothing helps to minimize the risk of injury.
- Wear clothing that includes cotton or denim fabrics, long pants,
eye protection, covered shoes, and (if necessary) ear protection.
- Alcohol and drugs are never a winning combination, especially
with a dangerous explosive such as fireworks.
- Open flames from cigarettes can be hazardous to your health
and others around you. Do not smoke around fireworks.
- Keep your fireworks dry. Never attempt to light fireworks that
have become wet.
- Store fireworks in a cool dry place, and away from children.
Make sure small children cannot reach fireworks, and never allow
a child to eat fireworks or put them in their mouth.
- Do not buy generic fireworks that do not have labels identifying
the manufacturer. All consumer fireworks should be clearly labeled
as "Class C" or "1.4G" fireworks.
- Do not buy illegal fireworks. Many of these devices contain
explosive compounds that are sensitive to shock and friction.
- Never allow children to use fireworks without direct adult supervision.
Before allowing children to participate, make sure you instruct
them on the safe use of fireworks. Teach them respect for a dangerous
explosive.
- Never throw or toss fireworks at another person or animal.
- Do not light fireworks in crowded areas.
Use proper instruments for lighting fireworks, such as instant-on
torches, safety flares, punk sticks, and other suitable tools
that provide some distance between the fireworks device and the
person that is lighting it.
- Never pick up unlit or unexploded fireworks. Malfunctioning
fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water for one hour before
disposing. Never attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks.
- Never put any part of your body over the top of any fireworks
device. Light all fireworks at arm's length, and retire to a safe
distance after igniting the device.
- When using fireworks that utilize mortar tubes, or repeaters
(commonly referred to as cakes), be sure the device is securely
mounted or secured in a way that prevents it from tipping over
after lighting.
- Consider wind direction and speed when lighting fireworks. Too
strong a wind can cause severe damage. Check your weather conditions.
If it is too dry, do not set off fireworks. If it is too windy,
do not set off fireworks.
- Do not light fireworks near flammable objects.
- Keep unused fireworks in a closed container and upwind from
the place you are lighting your fireworks.
- Use fireworks as intended. Do not disassemble fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fires.
- Do not store failed or dud fireworks. These can suddenly ignite
without warning.
- Keep a first aid kit nearby for treatment of burns. If burned
in any area above the shoulders, seek medical attention immediately.
The Aloe cactus is an excellent salve for treating minor burns.
- Always clean your area of debris after you finish using fireworks.
Children have a habit of looking for unexploded fireworks. Dispose
of fireworks properly.
- Never light or hold lit fireworks in your hand or any other
part of your body.
- Shoot fireworks one at a time, never try to light several fuses
at one time.
- Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Use fireworks outdoors in approved areas only, and away from
buildings and dry grassy areas.
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