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 Have a Safe & Sane 4th of July!
Below, we've listed some safety tips that we hope will be of help to you and your family. If you have children, I urge you to review many of these tips with them so that everyone can have a fun, yet safe time with fireworks.
The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) have formed an Alliance to provide training, education and safety on fireworks issues. For additional information on fireworks issues, you can visit the APA's website at http://www.americanpyro.com.
Safety Tips for Fireworks Sold to the Public:
Contact your local police department or fire department to determine if fireworks are legal in your community. If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Always have an adult present.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Fireworks should only be used in wide open areas outdoors.
- Never try to re-light or "fix" fireworks that have not fully functioned.
- Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Fireworks should be lit one at a time, then keep a safe distance.
- Never carry fireworks in a pocket.
- Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Never experiment with fireworks.
- Always wear shoes when lighting and/or watching fireworks.
- Use only State Fire Marshall approved fireworks.
- Stay away from illegal explosives.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
Safety Tips for Public Fireworks Displays:
The following tips should help make a public fireworks display more enjoyable to the public, as well as make the display as safe as possible. Spectators should:
- Obey all ushers or monitors.
- Respect the safety barriers set up to allow the trained operator room to safely do his job.
- Do not get close to the actual firing site.
- Do not touch a firework component that falls to the ground without exploding.
- If you happen to find a firework item that has not exploded, immediately call the local fire department or police department or call 911.
- Do not bring your pets to a firework display.
- Leave your own fireworks at home.
Safety Tips on Choosing Safe Fireworks Sold to the Public:
It is extremely important to know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Here are some tips to help ensure the safe purchase of public fireworks.
- Select and use only legal devices. If you choose to celebrate with fireworks, check with your local police department or fire department to determine what fireworks can be legally discharged in your area.
- Stay away from illegal explosives. These devices are commonly known as M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters or quarterpounders. These items will not contain the manufacturer's name and are usually totally unlabeled.
- Do not purchase or use unlabeled fireworks.
- Homemade fireworks are deadly. Never attempt to make your own devices.
- Do not purchase or use any kits that are advertised for making fireworks.
We all have a responsibility to help make Independence Day celebrations safe and enjoyable for everyone. Chain-Younger wants you and your family to have a very safe and fun 4th of July celebration. Please remember to consider the safety of your family and others when fireworks are involved.
-David Cohn
HOT TOPIC
Get The Most Out of Your Sunscreen
Remember when baby oil was as common at the beach as bikinis? Now the average beachcomber is more likely to have an arsenal of sunscreens. To get the most sun protection and reduce your risk of skin cancer, consider these tips when using sunscreen:
- Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply sunscreen about 20 minutes after being in the sun.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.
- Waterproof sunscreens are tested to last for up to 80 minutes and should be reapplied at regular intervals. Sunscreens labeled as "water resistant" should be applied every 40 minutes.
- Don't forget to apply sunscreen to the ears, back of the neck, and exposed areas of the scalp.
- Foundations, face powders, or other types of makeup that contain sunscreen are not likely to offer as much SPF protection as indicated on the label because they are not applied thickly enough.
- Ingredients in sunscreen products can lose potency over time. If you notice that the product has changed color, dried up, or changed consistency, it is better to throw it away.
- If you experience skin irritation from using sunscreen, try one of the newer, chemical-free sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
The American Cancer Society recommends using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 or higher, and a palmful should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult. The American Cancer Society has numerous articles and information concerning sunscreen and skin cancer. You can view this information by going to the American Cancer Society's website at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp.
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