Fireworks can be fun, but heed these safety tips

It’s Independence Day, and Americans will of course celebrate by watching and using fireworks. According to Mississippi Fire Marshal Mike Chaney, fireworks cause more than 18,000 fires a year nationwide.

Then of course there are guidelines to stay safe from injury like monitoring children, wearing eye protection if you’re lighting the firework and keeping a safe distance.

Firecrackers, sparklers and bottle rockets cause the most injuries, most commonly burns, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. “Even though fireworks have been legalized in the state of MI for about 3 years now, we don’t recommend that you do personal fireworks, there’s a lot of danger that goes with it”.

Don’t try to re-light or pick up fireworks that haven’t gone off. The instructions also stated that the firework should be held in the hand and pointed away from the body when lit, the suit says.

When it comes to sparklers they can get up to 1,200 or even 1,300 degrees.

Signing a waiver will not clear a consumer of responsibility if caught illegally using fireworks.

Dispose of spent fireworks in water or sand.

Arnett also said make sure you know what direction your fireworks shoot in case they hit trees above, or people standing nearby.

“A lot of times people don’t think about those things and the responsibility they have when using fireworks”, he said.

Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks from Brooklyn Bridge Park on July 4, 2016 in Brooklyn, New York.

Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.

“I always tell people that there’s nothing wrong with fireworks”, said Starkville Fire Marshal Mark McCurdy.

With Fourth of July right around the corner, fire crews are hoping the public will be cautious while using fireworks. If one of the fireworks appears to be a dud, don’t touch it. “Purchase and use only age appropriate fireworks for your children”. ($5 kids activities wristband, barbecue $10 adults, $5 kids) and fireworks at dark ($5 requested donation, no one turned away).

The Dumas Fire Department says fireworks caused the field to light up and weather was another factor which helped the flames grow. Their website shows zones where fireworks are legal.