Be Safe Around Fireworks
Fireworks may be beautiful and fascinating, but they are also dangerous. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 9,600 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2004.
To be safer, please follow these tips:
- Only buy what you plan to use. Do not store fireworks.
- Read, understand, and follow all warnings and instructions on each device.
- Keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
- Use fireworks with close adult supervision. Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Only ignite fireworks outdoors, away from other people, animals, buildings, storage tanks, brush, and combustible materials.
- Keep fireworks dry; do not use them when dried after becoming wet.
- Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
- Never light fireworks inside a container, such as a bottle or can. Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Never throw fireworks or aim them at another person, animal, or building.
- Light only one firework device at a time, then move away quickly.
- Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
Complete fireworks safety quidelines and a list of legal fireworks are available at www.fire.state.mn.us/fireworksinfo.html. You can also call the State Fire Marshal Division at (651) 215-0500.