VIDEO: Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Offers Fireworks Safety Tips

If you plan to shoot off fireworks this holiday weekend, be sure to watch this safety video prepared by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue. The following information is provided by Fairfax County.

According to the National Fire Protection Administration (NFPA), far more fires are reported on July 4 than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. The NFPA also reports that the risk of a fire death, relative to time used, shows fireworks as the highest risk consumer product.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend one of the many public displays; however, if you are having a home fireworks display, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and our Fire and Rescue Department have some safety guidelines to follow:

• Follow the manufacturer directions.
• Have water available to extinguish discarded fireworks or for an emergency.
• Place legally purchased fireworks on a flat surface, clear of combustible materials and clear of all buildings.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
• Do not permit young children to handle or light fireworks. (Sparklers can reach a temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.)
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.