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Firework Safety Tips

Mean Gene wants you to have a safe and successful 4th of July Celebration!

Safety is important! Following these firework safety tips when dealing with fireworks will help your 4th of July party be a success. We want you, your friends, and family safe. By using the following guidelines along with your good common sense you will minimize the risk of an accident to yourself and to others. Use fireworks responsibly.

Before the Big Show……Prepare  yourself and  the fireworks display area:

  • Check your weather conditions before setting of fireworks; it if is too dry, do not set off fireworks. If it too windy, do not set off fireworks.
  • Use fireworks outdoors in approved areas only, and away from buildings and dry grassy areas.
  • Check on your surroundings. Do not light fireworks near flammable objects.
  • Make good choices about your clothing – wear clothing that includes cotton or denim fabrics, long pants, eye protection, covered shoes, and if necessary ear protection.
  • Store fireworks in a cool dry place and away from children. Make sure small children cannot reach fireworks and never allow a child to eat fireworks or put them in their mouth.
  • Do NOT buy generic fireworks that do not have labels identifying the manufacturer. All consumer fireworks should be clearly labeled as “Class C” or “1.4G” fireworks.
  • Be kind to your pets, make sure they are in a safe and secure place while the show goes on.

About handling the fireworks both before and during your show:

  • Read ALL instruction carefully before attempting to light any fireworks.
  • Keep your fireworks dry. Never attempt to light fireworks that have become wet.
  • Do not buy illegal fireworks as many of these devices contain explosive compounds that are sensitive to shock and friction.
  • Make sure to dispose of burned out sparklers and all fireworks in a concealed container. Hot debris can injure a person or pet.
  • Use a suitable tools when lighting a fireworks, like an instant-on torch, safety  flares or punk stick that provide some distance between the fireworks device and the person that is lighting it.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

At your fireworks show

  • Shoot fireworks one at a time, never try to light several fuses at one time.
  • Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
  • Be careful with cigarettes. Open flames can be hazardous to your health and others around you. Do not smoke around fireworks and advise your audience to be careful with cigarettes.
  • Never, never allow children to use fireworks without direct adult supervision. Before allowing children to participate, make sure you instruct them on the safe use of fireworks. Teach them respect for a dangerous explosive.
  • Never throw or toss fireworks at another person or animal.
  • Do not light fireworks in crowded areas.
  • Never pick up unlit or unexploded fireworks. Malfunctioning fireworks should be soaked in a bucket of water for one hour before disposing. Never attempt to re-light malfunctioning fireworks. Light all fireworks at arm’s length and retire to a safe distance after igniting the device.
  • Never put any part of your body over the top of any fireworks device.
  • When using fireworks that use mortar tubes or repeaters (commonly referred to as cakes), be sure the device is securely mounted or secured in a way that prevents it from tipping over after lighting.
  • Keep unused fireworks in a closed container and upwind from the place you are lighting your fireworks.
  • Use fireworks as intended. Do not disassemble fireworks.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to extinguish fires.
  • Do not store failed or dud fireworks. These can suddenly ignite without warning.
  • Keep a first aid kit nearby for treatment of burns. If burned in any area above the shoulders, seek medical attention immediately.
  • Aloe cactus is an excellent salve for treating minor burns.
  • Always clean your area of debris after you finish using fireworks.
  • Children have a habit of looking for unexploded fireworks. Dispose of fireworks properly.
  • Never light or hold lit fireworks in your hand or any other part of your body.

 

Mean Gene Fireworks hopes these firework safety tips will help your 4th of July be a safely exciting. Mean Gene has been serving the Vancouver and Camas, Washington for over 17 years. We want to help you plan and prepare for the best 4th of July ever. Come in and see our wide selection of fireworks.

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