Fireworks and sparklers can be a fun way to create holiday memories. However, they do pose some safety risks to you and your family. If mishandled, they can cause burns, eye injuries, and other severe ailments in both kids and adults. Follow these tips to avoid injuries and keep your loved ones safe.

Firework Safety

Your first step to ensure firework safety is to check if they are legal in your area. Contact your local fire department to obtain information on whether you’re permitted to use fireworks and where it would be safe for you to ignite them.

Once obtaining confirmation that fireworks are legal in your area, follow these tips:

• Never light fireworks or sparklers indoors
• Keep a bucket of water close at all times and extinguish fireworks after use
• Read the instructions and follow directions
• Only light one firework at a time
• Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Stay clear and then soak with water
• Keep spectators at a safe distance
• Never place any part of the body on the firework when lighting it. After lighting the firework, back up to a safe distance
• Do not ignite fireworks while under the influence of alcohol. Designate a trusted person to ensure everyone is following safety precautions
• Do not use homemade fireworks and avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. Brown paper is usually a sign they were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to the average consumer
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person, even as a joke
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket, the friction could set them off
• Do not shoot fireworks off in metal or glass containers
• Once fireworks have finished burning, douse them with plenty of water to prevent a trash fire when you discard them

Sparkler Safety

Like fireworks, sparklers also require you to adhere to safety precautions. Follow these sparkler safety tips to ensure your family will stay protected while still having fun.

• Do not allow children to light sparklers without adult supervision
• Never run with a sparkler
• Do not hold or light more than one sparkler at a time
• Wear closed-toe shoes while holding sparklers. The sparks that drop down to your feet can burn!
• Sparklers remain hot even after the sparkle is gone. Drop into a bucket of water when finished
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to someone. Instead, give them the unlit sparkler and then light it for them
• Keep the sparkler extended at arm’s length

Rockingham Insurance is here to help you celebrate summer safely. To learn more about how to handle fireworks, visit the National Fire Prevention Association. To learn more about how to protect your home and family, contact a local Rockingham Insurance agent today.