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Fireworks Safety Tips: Have a Frugally Fun Fourth of July, but Be Safe!

Living a Better Life® (from the editor's desk)
by Michelle Jones

Americans love fireworks on the 4th of July but let's keep everyone safe. Please follow these safety tips provided by The National Council on Fireworks Safety to avoid serious and painful injuries. Children should be supervised at all times, even with sparklers.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety put together a great list of helpful tips to keep us safe during our 4th of July celebrations. Be sure to pass this information on, especially to anyone who may be using their own fireworks.

* Read and follow the directions on the firework labels.

* Always have an adult present.

* Purchase your fireworks from reliable sellers.

* Never use fireworks inside.

* Keep water handy - a garden hose and a bucket.  (We keep a bucket of water nearby.)

* Never experiment or make your own fireworks, this can be very dangerous.

* Although it may be tempting to set off a group of fireworks together, please only light only one firework at a time.

* Never relight a "dud" firework - wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

* Never give fireworks to small children.  (Even sparklers can be dangerous, supervise young children at all times.)

* If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place. (Do not use "leftover" fireworks from the previous year. As frugal as that may be... better to be safe.)

* Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trashcan.

* Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

* Never carry fireworks in your pocket. (Ouch!)

* Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

* The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the fireworks.

* Stay away from illegal explosives.

Have a frugally fun 4th of July... but be safe!!!

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Copyright © 2004-2013 by Michelle Jones. All rights reserved.

Source: The National Council on Fireworks Safety