Fourth of July Firework Safety Tips
Common fireworks are illegal to possess or set off within the city limits if you live in Austin. What are permitted are not-common fireworks or, in other words, glow worms, snakes, smoke devices, wire sparklers and trick noisemakers. If, on the other hand, you live in a rural area, you may be permitted to both possess and discharge fireworks.
No matter where you live or how you plan on celebrating the holiday, its important to remind yourself about firework safety as July 4 approaches. If you will be attending any type of picnic, BBQ or even professional display, keeping these firework safety tips in mind can reduce your chance of injury.
1. Do Not Handle
Despite what you may have seen on television, there is no firework that can be safely shot off from the human hand. Fireworks are made to be launched from the ground or from a specially-built device. Lighting one and holding it in your hand is a recipe for disaster.
2. Duds
The disappointment with duds can be palpable during a get-together. If you light a firework and it doesn’t act as it should, do not assume it is a dud. Give it a wide berth for about 20 minutes. After that amount of time, retrieve it and put it in a bucket of water.
3. Ear Plugs
Fireworks can be loud enough to damage ears, especially those of children. Wear a pair of ear plugs or headphones if you are attending a fireworks show to protect your hearing.
4. No Kids
Under no circumstances should a child ever be permitted to light a firework. This includes glow worms and sparklers. Any firework that you choose to purchase should only be handled by an adult.
5. Buckets and Hoses
Always have a bucket of water ready to go during a fireworks display, no matter how small. You should also have a hose primed and ready. This will save precious seconds should one of your fireworks malfunction and catch on fire or set something nearby aflame.
You can safely enjoy fireworks when you keep these safety tips at the forefront of your mind. Knowing how to handle fireworks is just as important as knowing how to handle yourself around them. Stay safe this holiday.
If you or a loved one is injured in Austin during the 4th of July holiday, you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries. Call our office and speak with an Austin personal injury attorney at no cost. We will review the details of your case and advise you of your options.