It's July 4th, and whether its legal in your area or not, chances are, some of you will celebrate freedom with a bang.
Since I was a wee one, I've been a huge fan of all manner of incendiary excitement, so I will hardly pass judgement on my fellow Americans who feel compelled to light up and have a good time with them. Just remember to follow a few simple ground rules. While we as kids were too ignorant to know any better, the Internet has hopefully made us smarter, more sensible people. It's no joke that you can easily lose a finger or a limb from incorrect handling of fireworks.
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1. Follow the laws in your local area.
Laws vary from state to state, and what is permissible in one place is totally illegal in another. Also note than in many places, what is fine in a rural area is a felony in an urban one.
2. Only use fireworks outside.
Barring that, you might want to get a bit cozy with how to deal with a fire in your home.
3. Fireworks are not for little kids.
Anyone under 12 should only play with sparklers. Period. However, keep in mind that sparklers do burn at 2000 degrees and do cause between 700-1,000 injuries each July 4th
4. Do not try to combine or alter fireworks.
Hey, I've tried that. I also am lucky to have all my fingers.
5. Don't relight any duds.
Quality control isn't exactly top notch in the factories where these are made (China). If one fails to light, don't touch it or go near it for 20 minutes. If it still fails to go off, douse it in water.
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6. Keep spectators a safe distance away.
The person lighting the fireworks should be as safe as possible, but risk should be minimized as much as possible as well for everyone else.
7. Keep alcohol out of the equation.
Alcohol is just as much a part of July 4th as fireworks, but anyone igniting should save the drinking for AFTER firework festivities.
8. Wear eye protection.
Simple safety glasses will prevent most injuries from errant fireworks. Use them.
9. Don't make your own fireworks.
Only buy regulated fireworks from a reputable dealer. Don't try to roll your own, which besides getting you in terrible trouble, can kill or injure in some really catastrophically awful ways.
10. Avoid starting a fire.
Keep buckets of water or a hose handy, and by all means, DO NOT light fireworks in an area affected by drought or where fires are banned. One errant roman candle can easily start a grassfire.
