Fireworks Safety Tips

Many families use fireworks as a way to celebrate holidays. Unfortunately, if you do not practice fireworks safety this holiday season, your holiday may not be filled with much fun at all. Do not let this holiday season leave you homeless from a fire because you and your family did not practice fire safety. Here are a few safety tips to keep you and your family from being a fire statistic this holiday season:

• Have a responsible adult present when shooting fireworks.
• Buy only from reliable vendors.
• Only use fireworks outdoors.
• Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Never give fireworks to small children. Fireworks are not toys! You would not hand a matchbook or a lighter to a child to wave around or play with, so why would you give a child a sparkler to hold?
• Teach older children how to use fire responsibly.
• If you must keep fireworks, store them in a cool, dry place.
• 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.
• 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 firework.
• Always read and follow label directions.
• The best fireworks shows are the professional ones; check your local listing for upcoming shows. Most are free to the public.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.

Violators face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months.

Children under 16 years of age may not purchase fireworks of any kind in North Carolina

• Anything that explodes or is projected into the air
• Firecrackers
• Rockets
• Roman Candles
• Aerial Fireworks

• Snake and glow worms
• Smoke devices, such as smoke bombs
• Wire Sparklers
• Trick noisemakers, including party poppers, string poppers and snappers

• Keep children away from open flames and electrical receptacles.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is maintained and working properly.
• Have a smoke alarm in every level of your house.
• Keep your emergency numbers near the telephone.
• Always call the fire department for any fire, even if the fire has been completely extinguished.
• Teach your children what to do in case of a fire - get low and get out of the house - go to the designated meeting place - never go back in the house for a toy or pet.
• Have a fire evacuation plan and practice it with your family!