July 4th- Firecracker Safety Tips

This information was taken right from the nbcnewswashington.com website.  The safest way to enjoy fireworks on the 4th is to go and watch a professional fireworks show.  I'm sure your area has a list of locations where there will be fireworks displays.

As you know fireworks safety begins with common sense and planning.  Here are some recommendations:

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Never experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Keep a far distance from the explosion of a firework.
• Do not relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Leave pets at home, noise from fireworks can damage their ears.
• Young children should not play with fireworks, including sparklers.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from grass, leaves and flammable materials.
• Only use firework products with a label listing the manufacture's name, address and warnings.

Here are a list of illegal fireworks in Washington, DC.

Illegal consumer fireworks in D.C.:

• Firecrackers
• Cherry Bombs
• Roman candles
• Salutes
• Floral shells
• Artillery shells
• Helicopters
• Bottle rockets
• Parachutes
• Buzz bombs
• Pinwheels
• Jumping jacks
• Sparklers greater than 20 inches long
• Anything that is similar to these products

In Maryland, it's illegal to have anything that is NOT the following:

• Ground-based sparkling devices
• Paper-wrapped snappers
• Snakes without mercury

Illegal consumer fireworks in Virginia:

• Firecrackers
• Skyrockets
• Torpedoes
• Other fireworks that explode or rise into the air
• Go here for a list of legal and permitted fireworks

However you decide to celebrate this Fourth of July, make it a safe one.

Now I'm sure it's different in all states, but the safety tips are good for anyone no matter where you live.

So please be careful and enjoy your 4th of July.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th,