Ah, July 4. The holiday where, as some wise person observed, the American people get to celebrate the independence of their country by blowing up a small portion of it.
To that end, we’ve created a list of Dos and Don’ts when engaging in firework usage.
DO: Check Your Local Firework Laws
Some cities/counties allow the use of fireworks, and some do not. Always check with the local governments and law enforcement about any rules involving firework usage before buying and blowing them up. Keep in mind too that special circumstances may have led to rule changes. If you live in an area that has experienced very little rainfall, it’s possible a temporary ban on fireworks may have been instituted to prevent wildfires.
DON’T: Break The Law
If the law says don’t do it, then don’t do it. Fireworks can be fun, but they’re not worth the punishments. Besides, it’s embarrassing to be cited and/or arrested for the illegal discharge of fireworks.
DO: Shop Around
If you’ve got the all-clear to engage in some patriotic ordinance demolition, don’t be afraid to shop around to get the best deal. Pop-up fireworks dealers start to set up tents in parking lots in early June, and while they can provide convenience and variety, you’ve always got the option to look elsewhere if you don’t feel great about the prices and supply.
DON’T: Go Overboard
Set a budget for how much you want to buy and stick to it. Fireworks can get very expensive very quickly, and the packaging and design will prove to be very tempting when you’re shopping.
DO: Be Prepared
Keep fire extinguishing tools close by and ready for use. Even if you plan on using a garden hose as your primary firefighting tool, test it to make sure the hose does not have any punctures or disconnections from the water source. Buckets of sand or dirt can be used to smother open flames, but make sure they don’t become so heavy that no one can carry them. Have a first aid kit nearby and make sure none of the supplies contained in the kit have expired.
DON’T: Be Careless With Storage
Make sure you keep the fire safety tools and equipment stored somewhere nearby and easily accessible. And use common sense when picking a storage spot. For example, don’t put the fire extinguisher by the lighter fluid for the grill or the sand bucket somewhere that could lead to it being knocked over.
DO: Get Together With Friends and Family
It’s a holiday, after all, and nothing says “Enjoy your holiday!” more than spending it with the people you love. Doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a party or just going to one so you can blow up fireworks while having a burger; go have fun.
DON’T: Be Irresponsible
Observe the usual rules about family gatherings: Don’t drink and drive, practice fire and firework safety, and don’t invite everyone to stand close to the cherry bomb just after you’ve lit it.
DO: Take Your Time
Fireworks can be a bit like holiday presents: they’re better if you take your time opening them up. Don’t just throw a match into a box filled with fireworks. Instead, light them one at a time and get the most out of the experience.
DON’T: Stand Too Close.
Light it, drop it, and hoof it. Don’t take any chances.