Play it safe: Firework Safety Tips

Fireworks are a part of celebrations around the world. Imagine Guy Fawkes Night, Independence Day on the 4th of July in America and the festival of Diwali, without the customary fireworks. These special days are almost synonymous with the firework factor, without which their essence would almost be lost.

Its not rocket-science (excuse the pun) that fireworks can cause serious damage if they are not used correctly.

The most ideal way to enjoy fireworks would be to organise or attend a community display, and leave the lighting to the professionals. This way you get to see a bigger and better array of the latest fireworks, are at a lesser risk of accidents and at the same time you’re doing your bit to curb air and noise pollution too. But for many that would be taking away all the fun of fireworks.

So if you are having your own display - more importantly if there are children with you - then you must follow some precautions to enjoy the fireworks in safety. Here are some simple tips and do’s and don’ts when lighting fireworks.

Safety tips when buying fireworks

•   Plan your firework display in advance. Check if there are restrictions   - on time or lighting fireworks in general – in the area where you plan to light the fireworks. Your local council should have details such as when and where and what time fireworks are allowed.
•   Buy only legally manufactured fireworks from reliable sellers. Licensed fireworks have proper labeling, including the name of the manufacturer and directions for their use. The unlabelled ones are illegally manufactured fireworks and account for many firework-related injuries. Never try to make your own fireworks.
•   The fireworks should be kept in a closed box, AWAY FROM THE REACH OF CHILDREN. It is also a good idea to read-up on the handling instructions in advance. In all the excitement and haste, you may forget to do so later.
•   At the time of buying the fireworks, spare a thought for the environment. Opt instead for fireworks that are available in less noise and reduced-smoke variants. Air and noise pollution affect the health of children and pregnant women the most.

Safety tips during the firework display

•   Always light fireworks outdoors. Keep a bucket of water and hose nearby as a precaution in case of accidents.
•   Never leave your children unsupervised when you are lighting fireworks. Kids have a great knack for experimenting at the wrong time, with the wrong things.
•   Keep children within a safe limit of the display. Multi-tasking is great, but not when lighting fireworks. Do not carry your child or toddler when you are lighting them.
•   Do not give any firework items to small children. Items like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are extremely dangerous. If you do give your children sparklers, keep them outside and away from the face, clothing, and hair. Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) — hot enough to melt gold.
•    Make sure any children who do have sparklers wear gloves, are supervised at all times and know which end to hold the sparkler. It is also important to teach them when to drop the sparkler (preferably in a bucket of water) and NEVER to pick up a hot sparkler from the floor.
•   Do not wear loose, flowing clothes or nylon when lighting fireworks. If possible, stick to cottons. Wear footwear while lighting fireworks.
•   Keep all kinds of flames, including cigarettes away from the fireworks, except when lighting. When lighting a firework, do not hold them in your hand or have any part of your body leaning over them while lighting. Wear some eye protection.
•   Avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket. Friction could set it off. Also, it may seem to be a convenient option to carry a couple of rounds in your pocket instead of making constant trips to the home pile. But remember it is highly dangerous to carry fireworks in your pocket when igniting another.
•   Enjoy the fireworks, but don’t forget you are playing with fire. So even in jest do not throw or point fireworks at anyone. Similarly, steer clear of others. Fireworks have been known to backfire or take-off in the wrong direction.
•   Point fireworks away from homes and away from leaves and other flammable material.
•   Once again, no multi-tasking please. Light only one firework at time and let the dud just be. Do not tend to burst crackers when some one else is trying to ignite one.
•   Never relight a dud. Never light in glass or metal containers.
•   Kids will be kids, so beware and be alert. Don’t allow them to pick up pieces of fireworks after they’ve been lit. Sometime, fireworks may still have some spark left in them and could explode any time.
•   After you’re done with the lighting, soak all the fireworks well in a bucket of water, before disposing them off into the garbage can.

First-aid tips in case of injury due to fireworks

•   Most importantly, be prepared for emergency, especially when there are children involved. Keep a few buckets full of water handy. In case a fire erupts, extinguish flame by pouring water. Also cut out the bottoms of a couple paper cups and keep them handy in case of eye injuries (we have explained below).
•   In case of an eye injury, do not allow your child to rub it as this may cause further damage. Wash the eye with tap water for 10 minutes. Use the bottomless paper cup to place it around your child’s eye and immediately seek medical attention.
•   In case of burns, pour large quantity of water on the affected area. If it’s a major burn, after extinguishing the fire, remove clothing from the burned area and run cool, not cold water over the burn (do not use ice). Wrap the patient in a clean bed sheet and rush the patient to a burns specialist or a major hospital (in case of severe burns).

Read our feature on BASIC FIRST AID before you see any fireworks this year.

Also see our feature on having a safe Halloween with your kids!

Thanks to Foxypar4 for the picture http://www.flickr.com/photos/foxypar4/2154217950/
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en_GB
Some rights reserved

Last Modified: 06/10/2009