Every single year, I hear a story of a tragic accident involving fireworks. Yup, every single year, and this year is no different. It's not even the 4th of July yet and already the stories of fireworks-related accidents are being reported, like the death of Kelly Leplante from Dinnwidde County, Virginia. Leplante was allegedly trying to make his own fireworks in a trailer and he suffered severe injuries from a resulting explosion that led to his death later at VCU Medical Center.
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This awful accident needs to be used as a reminder to treat fireworks with respect. They are not toys and should not be handled lightly. Teach your children how to be safe when they are around fireworks. Demand that other parents and caretakers follow safety tips.
Here are my picks for top five firework safety tips. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it is a start.
- Do not make your own fireworks. You are most likely not a pyrotechnics expert or manufacturer, so leave the process to the actual experts.
- Obey the law. If fireworks are illegal where you live: DO NOT USE THEM!
- Only use fireworks outdoors. Seems obvious, but worth mentioning.
- Do not allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Teens using fireworks should be closely supervised by sober parents or caregivers.
Much of fireworks safety is what many would consider common sense, but as we all know common sense isn't necessarily all that common. I encourage you to read all the warning labels and recommendations on your fireworks before using them and also to sit down as a family and review the National Council on Fireworks Safety Tips. It never hurts to put safety first.
May you and yours have a happy and safe 4th of July!
Image via Thinkstock
