New Year's Eve Fireworks Safety Tips

With the beginning of a new year right around the corner, millions of people throughout the country are planning their end-of-2016 parties. But if fireworks are included in these festivities, you should follow some basic safety precautions to protect against injury and property damage. Fireworks are a fun way to ring in the new year, but they also pose a serious risk when used incorrectly. Follow these tips to protect against injury and property damage when using fireworks this December 31st.

Keep Water Nearby

Whether you plan on lighting sparklers or shooting off larger and more expensive fireworks into the sky, you should keep water nearby. It's not uncommon for fireworks to ignite grass and other debris, in which case you'll need to extinguish the flames using water. Furthermore, it's a good idea to pour water over your used fireworks to ensure they are cool before picking them up.

Don't Relight Fireworks

When a firework fails to "shoot off" after being lit, don't attempt to relight it. Some fireworks are duds and simply won't fire. Even so, you shouldn't try to relight them, as this could result in an explosion. Wait 20 minutes after the first attempt to light the firework, at which point you should pour water over it.

One at a Time

A good rule of thumb to follow when firing fireworks is to shoot one at a time. In other words, don't attempt to shoot half a dozen or more fireworks off simultaneously. Shoot one, after which you can shoot another, and another -- you get the idea.

Beware of Sparklers

When you think of dangerous fireworks, sparklers probably aren't the first to come to mind. After all, how much damage can these small handheld fireworks really cause? Surprisingly, sparklers are one of the most hazardous types of fireworks, due in part to their high heat and method of application. A single sparkler can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees, which is more than enough to cause third-degree burns.

Light Fireworks Outdoors

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it's still worth mentioning that you should only light fireworks outdoors. Never attempt to light fireworks indoors, or near dry grass or trees for that matter.

Adults Only

Only adults should light fireworks. Don't allow a child to light a firework, regardless of whether or not they are being supervised by an adult. This includes all types of fireworks, and sparklers are no exception.