Fireworks are an exciting addition to any summer celebration, but if not used responsibly, these visual delights can cause serious injury to not only the user, but anyone nearby as well. Unfortunately, each July thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured by fireworks.

An excellent way to protect your family and prevent injury is to attend a public fireworks display. Leaving the fireworks to the professionals is much safer. But, if you are going to celebrate at home be sure to follow these fireworks safety tips and download this free fireworks safety tips flyer from the National Fire Protection Association.

Follow these fireworks safety tips to keep you and your children safe.

• Only buy legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
• Fireworks spectators should keep a safe distance away from the shooter.
• Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks. If you do allow your little ones to play with sparklers, make sure an adult is supervising them and instruct them to keep the sparkler away from their face, clothing, and hair, and to hold it at arm’s length.
• If you have pets, keep them indoors or a safe distance away to reduce the risk that they will be injured.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of an accidental fire. Soak all fireworks in the bucket of water before disposing of them in the trash.
• For those lighting fireworks, don’t hold the firework in your hand or have any part of the body over it while lighting it and wear eye protection to help prevent any injury to the eye. Fireworks should always be pointed away from homes and kept away from brush, leaves, and other flammable substances.
• Only light one firework at a time, and never try to relight a “dud.”

We encourage everyone to follow these fireworks safety tips to have a fun and safe summer season. But, in the unfortunate event that you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, call 1-800-834-8400 or in Wichita, Kansas call 316-977-9999 or contact DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers for a free no obligation case evaluation.