July 4th Is Coming: Keep Your Fingers

Independence Day is this coming Monday, so I thought I'd put up my yearly blog posting on fireworks safety. Please forward this to anyone you know who might be apt to set a few off.

The following tips are from the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

• Use fireworks outdoors only.



• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.



• Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).



• Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.



• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.



• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.



• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."



• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.



• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Or, just watch this: