Are You Celebrating the 4th of July?
Keep safe by referring to these safety precautions when handling fireworks.
Assign a Responsible Adult to Supervise Fireworks Use
Fireworks can be enticing for younger individuals, but they should never be left unsupervised while handling or lighting them.
One important safety tip to keep in mind during the fireworks extravaganza is to assign a responsible adult to supervise their use. While fireworks can be captivating and enjoyable, they also pose potential risks if mishandled or not monitored properly. [1]
By designating a responsible adult to oversee the use of fireworks, it helps to minimize the chances of accidents, injuries, or unintentional fires.
The responsible adult can choose a spacious area far away from any flammable materials, such as dry grass or buildings. This will minimize the risk of starting an unintended fire. Poor weather conditions such as strong winds can make it dangerous to set off fireworks.
The responsible adult should make sure that a safe distance is maintained between the spectators and the fireworks launch area. This will help prevent any accidental injuries caused by fireworks falling on individuals or projectiles flying towards the crowd.
The role of the responsible adult goes beyond mere supervision. They should become familiar with Vancouvers laws and regulations regarding the purchase, possession, and use of fireworks as well as the safety precautions and procedures outlined by the firework manufacturer.
Keep a Supply of Water Close By As a Precaution
To ensure your safety on the 4th of July, take precautions, and one of the most essential ones is to keep a supply of water close by. Here’s why:
- Fire Prevention: Fireworks involve flames and sparks, which can easily ignite nearby objects, such as grass, trees, or even your home. Having water readily available can help extinguish any accidental fires that may occur, preventing them from spreading and causing further damage. [2]
- Emergency Situations: Despite following safety guidelines, accidents can still happen. In such cases, having water nearby will enable you to quickly douse any sparks or flames, minimizing potential injuries or putting out small fires before they escalate.
- Handling Malfunctions: Sometimes, fireworks can malfunction and fail to shoot into the air or explode as intended. If this happens, approach the firework with caution, having easy access to water will provide an immediate means to cool down and deactivate any unstable fireworks.
- Burn Treatments: Fireworks produce intense heat, and burns are common injuries associated with mishandling or coming into contact with fireworks. Keeping water nearby allows you to quickly apply it to a burn, cooling the affected area and helping to alleviate pain while you seek proper medical attention.
- Extinguishing Spent Fireworks: After the fireworks display, properly dispose of all used and spent fireworks. This often involves soaking them in water to ensure they are fully extinguished and can no longer pose a fire risk. By having water close by, you can safely and efficiently dispose of fireworks at the end of your celebration.
Light Only One Firework at a Time and Never Attempt to Relight a "Dud"
As the summer heat settles in and the anticipation for the 4th of July celebrations in Vancouver builds up, be mindful to ensure a memorable and incident-free experience for all. Two safety tips that cannot be stressed enough is to light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight a dud.
It is common for fireworks to malfunction occasionally, failing to ignite or only partially exploding. While it may be disappointing when a firework does not go off as intended, trying to relight it can be extremely dangerous.
If a firework does not ignite or fails to function as expected initially, there is likely a faulty mechanism within it. Exercise caution and give the firework adequate time to cool down before handling it. Attempting to relight it increases the chances of a sudden, uncontrolled ignition or an explosive malfunction that could cause severe injuries or ignite surrounding materials.
Instead of trying to relight a dud, the best course of action is to follow the proper disposal procedures. Place the firework in a bucket of water or douse it thoroughly to ensure it is fully extinguished.
Have you been scarred or burned by defective fireworks? Contact Goldberg & Loren’s personal injury lawyers in Vancouver today for a free consultation.
FAQs
No, it is not recommended to recycle or reuse fireworks after they have been used. Once fireworks have been ignited, they should be considered spent and should not be reused. Attempting to relight or handle fireworks that have already been used can be dangerous. Check with local authorities or waste management services for guidelines on how to safely dispose of fireworks in your area.
In case of an injury, seek medical help immediately. Do not try to self-treat severe burns or eye injuries. Have a first aid kit readily available and know basic first aid techniques for burns and minor injuries.
To protect your property, remove any flammable items from your yard, secure any loose objects, and close windows and doors to prevent debris or sparks from entering. Regarding pets, keep them indoors in a safe and quiet space, as loud noises from fireworks can cause anxiety and distress.
Sources:
[1] Fireworks | Clark County. (n.d.). Clark County. https://clark.wa.gov/community-development/fireworks
[2] Larabell, E. (2022, July 29). Safety Tips for the Fourth of July. PRN Healthcare. https://www.prnhealthservices.com/blog-safety-tips-for-the-4th-of-july
