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Fireworks Safety
Firework Season in Missouri:
June 20 - July 10
December 20 - January 2
Fireworks are dangerous and best enjoyed by watching professional demonstrations. The American Burn Association recommends professional displays to reduce the potential of burn injuries from amateur or personal displays. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 4,700 children age fourteen and under suffer from fireworks-related injuries every year in the United States. Burns from improper use of sparklers and other legal fireworks, as well as from illegal fireworks, usually involve the hands, face, arms, and chest.
While best left to professionals, if you choose to use fireworks, the following safety guidelines can help keep you and your family safe.
Legal guidelines
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Observe state and local laws. Check with your local police or fire department to determine what fireworks can be legally discharged in your area.
- Buy from a reliable seller (vendors must have a permit displayed); only Class C fireworks may be purchased. (Cherry bombs, m-80s, m-100s and m-1000s are illegal.)
- Fireworks must be stored in a cool dry place more than 50 feet from volatile liquids and not in direct sunlight.
- It is illegal to light cigars, cigarettes, pipes or open flame within 10 feet of fireworks.
- Fireworks cannot be ignited within 600 feet of churches, hospitals, asylums or public schools; within 300 feet of gas stations or gas pumps; or within 100 feet of where fireworks are sold or stored.
Safety
- Only adults should handle fireworks; never give fireworks to children.
- Never let children play with or handle sparklers. The temperature of the ignited tip can reach 1200 degrees F or greater.
- Use protective eyewear.
- Use outdoors only.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and water handy (and bucket and hose).
- Follow all safety instructions. Fireworks have labels outlining safe use.
- Never build or experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Light fireworks on a smooth flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, trees and flammable materials.
- Use 'punks' to light fireworks; do not use lighters, matches or cigarettes.
- Do not lengthen or shorten the fuse.
- Do not relight duds. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and then soak the dud in a bucket of water.
- Never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never carry fireworks in pockets.
- Light only one at a time, and keep a safe distance.
- Never hold or get close to any lit fireworks.
- Make sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Never throw or aim fireworks at people, pets, buildings or vehicles.
- Never place your face or any body part over a firework.
- Dispose of fireworks by soaking them and disposing in a trash can.
- Do not use fireworks in wooded areas, especially if the weather has been dry.
- Do not wear loose clothing when handling fireworks. It can catch fire. Wear tight-fitting or short-sleeved clothing when watching fireworks.
In case of accident:
- "Stop, drop and roll" if clothing catches fire.
- Remove clothes from the area of the burn and cool the burn for 5 to 10 minutes while the skin is still hot. Wrap the burned area in a clean, dry dressing or warm blanket.
- Call 911 or your local emergency number for help.
- If there is bleeding, apply pressure to the area.
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