COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
As with every 4th of July, the skies will light up tonight around the country, but if you're planning on
sending up any of your own fireworks, there are several things you should know.
Fire
officials say they respond to more fires on July 4th than any other
day of the year.
Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins strongly suggests that people leave fireworks to the
professionals, he says if you do set off your own this July 4th holiday here's what you should know:
•Choose an open area outdoors
away from spectators, homes/buildings and dry vegetation. Use a garden
hose to wet down area where fireworks will be used prior to lighting them.
•Always read and follow label
directions.
•Never allow children to play,
hold or light fireworks and always have an adult present.
•Only buy from
licensed/permitted dealers.
•Always have water handy (garden
hose and/or bucket) to soak each device after it burns out.
•Always wear eye protection, never
lean over fireworks when lighting, and wear snug-fitting clothing while
lighting fireworks.
•Never experiment with or make
your own fireworks.
•Light only one fuse at a time.
•Keep fireworks that are not
being used, covered to protect them from accidental fallout from fireworks
display
• Never throw or point fireworks
at other people.
• Never re-light a
"dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it with water.
• Never carry fireworks in your
pocket.
• Never light or hold lit fireworks in your hand.
The owner of Casey's Fireworks, John Casey, says they handout
similar tips to all of their customers.
"You want adult supervision at
all times, that's probably one of the main keys," said Casey. "You also want
sand or water nearby, and a fire extinguisher is [actually] preferred."
"At one time we responded to as many as 300 calls in 3 hours on
one 4th of July," said Chief Jenkins. "It's very important you keep
an extinguisher handy… and if you're going to shoot off fireworks just make
sure you're responsible and as [Casey] said, make sure it's done under adult
supervision."
Officials
say even smaller fireworks like sparklers should be used with a lot of caution.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers reach up to
1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That's twice as high as the temperature needed to burn
wood -- 600 degrees Fahrenheit -- and can cause third-degree burns.
Officials
add that clean-up is just as important as preparation. Fireworks should never
be left around for children to pick-up as they may still be active.
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