As the 4th of July quickly approaches, we all think of fireworks igniting the sky with a breathtaking display of color and lights, expressing our celebration of our country. While the allure of Fourth of July fireworks is undoubtedly undeniable, it is essential to prioritize safety when enjoying them at home.
Understanding firework types, ensuring personal safety, preparing a safe environment, and engaging in proper firework disposal are critical factors to consider. We at Craftmark Homes are happy to give you the firework safety information you need to ensure a safe and fun holiday.
Understanding Firework Types
Understanding the different fireworks types is essential to a safe event. There are an array of fireworks available, and those are typically separated into two distinct categories, which are:
- Consumer Fireworks (previously known as Class C fireworks): These fireworks are usually sold at your local firework stands. These are also known as 1.4G fireworks and are generally legal to light in neighborhoods. Examples of consumer fireworks include bottle rocket fireworks, sparklers, fountain fireworks, and firecrackers.
- Display Fireworks (previously known as Class B fireworks): Display fireworks are 1.3G fireworks, typically displayed at a community event. They are not intended to be used by consumers, and only licensed professionals can light them. Examples of display fireworks include waterfall fireworks, palm tree fireworks, cake fireworks, and mine fireworks.
If you’re at a local or home event and you think the fireworks that are being lit are not Consumer Fireworks, take extra precautions and make sure to stay well back.
Ensuring Personal Safety
Celebrating the holiday with consumer fireworks requires following critical guidelines to provide personal safety for you and your viewers. These include:
- Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby to quickly put out any fires that might start
- Keep children and pets safe from all fireworks, including those already lit
- Use eye protection when lighting fireworks
- Abstain from alcohol or controlled substances while lighting fireworks
- Only purchase and light legal fireworks
Preparing a Safe Environment
In addition to ensuring personal and viewer safety, you should prepare a safe environment before starting the show. To do so, you should always read the instructions on the firework label, know the laws of your area, prepare a leveled and dry surface for lighting, only light one firework at a time, never shoot fireworks in glass or metal containers, and never re-light a dud firework.
Proper Firework Disposal
After your firework show, you must dispose of the fireworks properly. You can do so by cleaning all the debris when you’re done and ensuring all unused fireworks and other dangerous items (like matches or lighters) are out of the reach of children. If you have a dud firework, wait 15 minutes, approach it cautiously, and drench it in the bucket of water. Lastly, please dispose of all fireworks by soaking them entirely in water and putting them in the trash can.
To ensure an even safer holiday, we encourage you to browse these law enforcement guides to using fireworks in Maryland and Virginia.
We hope you have a safe and fun Independence Day! To also help your furry friends have a fun and relaxing holiday, we encourage you to check out this article on keeping your dog calm during fireworks and learn more about firework safety for pets.
To inquire more about our Craftmark Homes communities, contact us today!
