- Only purchase legal fireworks from licensed firework distributers.
- Fireworks should be used with great caution and care by responsible and sober adults.
- Read and follow all safety instructions and guidelines to prevent injury or property damage.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impairment increases the risk of misuse and injury to yourself and others.
- Fireworks should be lit and discharged in an open area and on a non-combustible surface like a driveway or paved area.
- House fires can occur due to improper or reckless firework use. Incomplete extinguishment and improper disposal, such as failure to fully hose or extinguish fuses, that are then put into garbage bins that are stored in the garage or near the house. The National Fire Protection Association recorded $105 million in direct property damage from fireworks in 2018.
- To avoid injury, wear eye protection, do not lean over and do not pick up duds or misfires (when the firework doesn’t explode). Use a shovel to pick up dud fireworks when placing into a bucket of water.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose on hand to soak dud fireworks to prevent them from detonating and ensure they’re safe for disposal.
- Bystanders should keep a safe distance from where fireworks are being detonated. Phantom Fireworks recommends a minimum of 35ft for ground fireworks and 150ft for aerial fireworks.
- Fireworks should be kept out of the reach of children.
- Don’t use fireworks during windy conditions as the wind can blow hot embers and ash, causing the spread and potential growth of wildfires.
- Don’t aim fireworks at people.
Sparkler Safety
Sparklers can be fun, but these handheld fire sticks should not be used nonchalantly and require vigilant supervision. Sparklers burn between 1800-3000 degrees Fahrenheit. That is HOT! Most kids don’t understand the intensity of the heat generated by handheld sparklers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, “Sparklers caused 12% of reported injuries in 2019, making them more dangerous than firecrackers.” Keep a bucket of water on hand to fully extinguish the sparklers before disposing of them in the trash.
In our opinion Utah summers are hard to beat. Our great state has much to offer, and we want to keep our home safe and beautiful. We can do our part by practicing safe and legal firework safety practices for July’s holiday season. St. George, Utah has specific rules and regulations regarding firework usage to ensure safety within our community and state. If you have questions regarding an injury or property damage due this summer, give the attorneys at McMullin Injury law a call.
