Many people throughout the country love to celebrate the Fourth of July. It is a tradition to have barbecues, pool parties, and watch fireworks. While fireworks are exciting and beautiful, they can also be very dangerous. In the state of Pennsylvania, residents over the age of 18 years old are allowed to purchase certain types of fireworks. When using them, it is important to make sure they are being used safely and correctly to ensure no one gets hurt.
The Fourth of July should be a fun time for loved ones to get together and enjoy themselves. By considering the following safety precautions, you can ensure everyone’s safety while still having a good time.
Pre-Display Tips
It is understandable that people often wish to jump right into the festivities and get started. However, there are many things to keep in mind before beginning a fireworks show. By taking the following simple precautions, you may be able to prevent an accident from happening and save someone from getting hurt:
- Make sure you purchase fireworks that are legal in Pennsylvania
- Do not buy fireworks that come in brown paper. These are fireworks to be used by professionals and not in small neighborhoods. Using these in an enclosed area can put those surrounding you at risk.
- Make sure adults are present and children do not have access to fireworks on their own
- Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in the event of a fire
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket
- Do not ignite fireworks in a glass or metal container
- Keep pets inside
What Do I Need to Know About Lighting Fireworks?
Once you have taken the right safety precautions to make sure that the area is secured, you can begin to light your fireworks. However, it is important to do so with caution and follow the right steps to do so safely. When igniting fireworks, keep the following in mind:
- Wear eye protection
- Do not light more than one firework at a time
- Never ignite fireworks indoors
- Do not light a firework in your hands
- Keep all spectators at a safe distance away from the display after lighting it
- Never throw or point fireworks at another person
- Do not relight a firework that did not properly ignite the first time
- After a firework goes off, wait 20 minutes before dousing it in cold water and throwing it away
- Do not consume drugs or alcohol when handling fireworks
Contact our Firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
