Fireworks Safety Tips to Follow

FIREWORKS, BARBECUES, AND NICE WEATHER ARE ALL SIGNS THAT POINT TO SUMMER. BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SUFFER SERIOUS FIREWORKS-RELATED INJURIES EVERY YEAR? OAK GROVE WANTS YOU TO STAY SAFE WITH THESE TIPS

There’s plenty of fun to have during the summer, but backyard fireworks displays can be extremely dangerous. Lighting off fireworks, sparklers, and bottle rockets can cause serious burns, eye injuries, and injuries to hands and fingers. Here’s how you can stay safe if you’re lighting them off.

Follow the local laws

  • Check with your city or town to determine when it’s permitted for you to light off fireworks.
  • Many states prohibit the use of consumer fireworks and do not allow larger firecrackers or M-80s to be used at all.

Keep water close

  • Be sure to have a hose and buckets of water within reach in case something goes wrong.
  • Before you dispose of them, douse them in water to ensure they’re fully put out before throwing them in a trash bin.

Set off fireworks in a safe area

  • Only set them off in an open area, away from cars or buildings as well as trees, dry leaves, and any other flammable materials that could catch on fire.
  • Set a perimeter or ‘safe zone’ around the area you and keep all others, especially children and pets, away from that safe zone. 

Only light off fireworks under adult supervision

  • Make sure there is a responsible adult who will monitor the use of the fireworks.
  • Never light off any while under the influence.
  • Wear protective eyewear and never lean your body over them.
  • Do not allow children to light any off, including sparklers.
    • Sparklers burn at temperatures near 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause serious burns.
  • Never point or throw them at another person.

Better yet, just let the professionals handle the fireworks displays this summer. Stay up to date on all local events and enjoy a fun and safe summer.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact the City of Oak Grove. We are more than happy to help in any way we can.