July 4th Firework Safety

My family loves celebrating the 4th of July at downtown shops, going to the parade, having a barbecue, watching fireworks, etc. And when it comes to lighting fireworks, safety always come first. The following safety guidelines (by the Office of State Firemarshal) will ensure your family's safety and protect the landscape around you.

• Avoid lighting fireworks in a firework restricted area.
• You must be 16 years old or older to handle or light fireworks.
• You must clear the area of obstacles, such as trees, carports, structures or other obstacles before lighting fireworks. Aerial or "cake" fireworks require at least 30 feet radius clear (some types up to 150 feet) on the ground and in the air.
• Do not attempt to re-ignite a firework that had misfired or failed to light.
• Have children keep a safe watching distance from the fireworks and ensure younger children are supervised so they don't run out into an active firework.
• Be careful with sparklers; children in Utah are burned every year. Children under age 12 need to have close supervision when using sparklers and be instructed to keep the sparkler at arm's length away from them and not run while holding it. Also, you should never light or hold more than one sparkler at a time.
• I saw an idea somewhere to put a small hole in the bottom of a large plastic cup and stick the sparkler through to have the child's hand covered while holding the sparkler.
• After fireworks are done, do not allow children to pick up left over fireworks in case they are still active. (It's good to have water on-hand to finish putting them out before throwing them away.)
• Fireworks not allowed (may not be a complete list): firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80, bottle rockets, single or reloadable mortars, Roman candles and ground salutes.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day!