NEW YORK, Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Using consumer fireworks on New Years is a tradition. And it can be safe if a few common sense rules are followed, says Nancy Blogin, the President of the National Council on Fireworks Safety. Consumer fireworks go through vigorous third party testing in China before being shipped to the United States. But, she notes, consumers using legal fireworks must know how to use the fireworks before they ignite them. For many people in New York, when legal to do so in their respective jurisdictions, they will use sparkling devices for the very first time so it is important that they take the time to read the cautionary labeling and use common sense.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these safety tips for using consumer fireworks and sparkling devices:
- Know your fireworks; Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- Have a designated shooter to organize your family show.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
- Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens, if they are using fireworks.
- Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
- Always remain standing while using sparklers.
- Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
- Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly in a bucket of water.
- Never throw sparklers.
- Wear eye protection whenever using fireworks.
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
- Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.
- Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety urges New Yorkers to follow common sense safety rules in their holiday celebrations. Above all, be certain that use of consumer fireworks is legal in your local jurisdiction before using them.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose sole mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks. For a full list of fireworks safety tips and a safety video, please visit www.FireworksSafety.org.
Contact:
Ralph Apel
913 579-4529
Email