If you are celebrating with fireworks this Fourth of July, please make sure you abide by the law and exercise safety precautions. Fireworks are allowed between 9 p.m. and midnight on July 3 and 4.
Follow these safety tips:
-- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
-- Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper, as this is often a sign that they were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
-- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that young children can suffer injuries from the heat of sparklers.
-- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
-- Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
-- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
-- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
-- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
-- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
-- After fireworks complete burning, douse the spent device with water from a bucket or hose before discarding.