Independence Day will be celebrated this Saturday, July 4, and if fireworks are part of your celebration, make sure you are using them safely.
Radcliff Deputy Fire Marshal Tommy Crane says the safest, and cheapest, way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a city or organization’s fireworks display.
“There are a lot of them, and I’m sure this year there are probably going to be even more bigger displays and bigger events, so take your family out and enjoy those events, enjoy that time with your family, and let the professionals do it,” Crane said.
If you are purchasing fireworks to light off on your own, make sure kids are kept at a safe distance and only adults are handling the lighting. Check on your state and local laws for fireworks use.
“State law says at a minimum you have to be at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles, groups of people, and also wooded areas,” Crane said. “Make sure you’re staying away from wooded areas, especially because it could be dry that time of year.”
Check your surroundings, and make sure anything that launches in the air takes off from a flat, stable surface. Always have methods of extinguishment nearby.
“It could be a fire extinguisher, water hose, or even a bucket of water,” Crane said. “The other thing is to make sure that, just like we talked about charcoal, make sure that your fireworks are completely cool before you dispose of them.”
Find more fireworks safety tips on the National Safety Council’s website.
