Federal safety standards in recent years have helped to make legal fireworks safer. Still it's important to know which kinds of fireworks are legal and which are not, as illegal fireworks fail to conform to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards. Since most states now allow use of at least some types of fireworks, you need to be able to recognize what fireworks are legal and use them safely.
Instructions
1. Light any fireworks outdoors in an open area away from building structures or vehicles. Remain a safe distance away. Keep at least 25 feet away from leaves, brush, vegetated areas or combustible materials.
2. Make certain that the name of the manufacturer and instructions for proper use appear on the label. Carefully read and follow all cautionary warnings. If a firework is unlabeled, it’s illegal.
3. Never allow children to light any kind of firework. Only adults should light fireworks in a safe area such as a driveway or other paved surface. Light one firework at a time and then move away quickly. Don’t throw a firework or point it at someone.
4. Keep a hose and bucket of water nearby. Don’t try to relight a dud. Instead, let it stand for several minutes and then discard in a pail of water. You should soak all spent fireworks in water before throwing them into the trash.
5. Be aware that fireworks can backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Always use extreme caution when handling any kind of firework.
6. Closely supervise any children under age 12 who are using sparklers. Children should remain standing and be wearing closed-toed shoes rather than open-toe sandals. Don’t hand a lighted sparkler to a child. Instead give the child an unlit sparkler and then light it.
7. Instruct your child not to run with sparklers or throw them. Make sure that children keep sparklers away from their face, hair, and clothing. Sparklers should be held at arm’s length, with the child standing at least 6 feet away from any other child using sparklers.
Tags: away from, feet away, feet away from, fireworks legal, kind firework, least feet