Fireworks Safety Tips

With the Fourth of July coming up, everyone gets excited about fireworks.  Fireworks are a fun way to celebrate but can also be very dangerous.  It is important to be safe when handling fireworks and make sure others around you are also being safe to avoid accidents and injury.

Below are some recommended safety tips by the National Council on Fireworks Safety.

• Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions on your fireworks before igniting.
• Adults should supervise all firework activities.
• Do not give fireworks to children.
• Light one firework at a time and quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix, save your alcohol for after.
• Never relight a “dud” firework, wait 20 minutes then soak in water.
• Always have a bucket of water nearby and a water hose ready.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Do not shoot fireworks into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks..
• Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water and placing them in a metal trash can until the next day.

Roman candles, bottle rockets and other firecrackers are illegal to buy, sell and use in Oregon.  Oregon law forbids, possession, use or sale of fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than six feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air.  For more information on illegal fireworks visit portlandoregon.gov.