Important reminders for Independence Day this summer

Thursday is Independence Day, and there are some important reminders that the city wants you to know in order to celebrate in a way that ensures safety and the most fun. If you thought safety and fun were mutually exclusive, this should come as good news to you.

Independence Day reminders

Here’s what you need to know to celebrate responsibly:

• Have a water source at the ready to extinguish flames. When any fire is involved, the most important precaution you can take is keeping a bucket of water near you. Fireworks are no exception.
• Stay sober when lighting off fireworks. This should be self explanatory. Intoxication leads to poor judgement and sub-par motor skills, both of which are needed for using pyrotechnics safely.
• Never point them at another person or a pet. Also self explanatory. Fire is destructive, and when it shoots out of a little platform, there are many risks involved. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, over 9,000 incidents related to fireworks usage are reported each year due to improper use.
• Don’t ever try to reignite a firework. If it doesn’t go off, consider it a dud and extinguish it before disposing of it.
• Children should be prohibited from igniting or playing with fireworks. Yes, bight colors and shiny lights are cool, both of which children love. However, what they love isn’t always good for them. Keep this in mind when you consider handing your five-year-old a lighter, even on Independence Day.

If you’d rather not take the risk at all and watch other people set fireworks off from a distance, check out our other article on 5 events to celebrate Independence Day.

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