Take Safety Measures In Handling Any Fireworks
By STEPHANIE FAROH, MA, RD, CD
Extension Educator, Health and Human Sciences, Purdue Extension-Kosciusko County
Fourth of July celebrations are among us and along with the family, friends, and food, I always love seeing the beautiful fireworks.
Whether you enjoy small fireworks at home or leave them to the professionals at a public display, it’s important to keep safety in mind. We’ve heard that most fireworks can be dangerous, but did you know that even sparklers burn at temperatures up to 1,800 degrees?
I have a small scar on my hand from a sparkler I enjoyed many years ago, and I am so fortunate that it burned only my hand.
Taking proper safety measures when handling any type of firework — no matter how harmless it seems — can help prevent injuries. To ensure your holiday does not include an unexpected trip to the emergency room, please be mindful of these guidelines offered by the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
- Check and obey local laws regarding what types of fireworks are legal in your area.
- Only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store, tent, or stand. Never buy fireworks from an individual’s house or from someone on the street. Such devices are likely illegal explosives or professional 1.3G fireworks that can seriously injure you. Illegal explosives are often unpackaged and wrapped in brown paper. They are unlikely to have any safety warnings or the place of manufacture.
- Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
- A responsible adult should always supervise fireworks activities. Never give fireworks to children.
- Do not consume alcohol while using fireworks.
- Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
- Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
- Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
- Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
I mentioned that I also enjoy the food part of Fourth of July celebrations. Here is one of my favorite recipes called White Chocolate Dip:
1 (3.5 oz) package instant white chocolate pudding
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
1 c strawberries (sliced)
1 c blueberries
In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, and lemon juice and mix well. Fold in whipped topping and mix until completely incorporated. Fold in fresh fruit of your choice. Red and blue fruit looks great for the Fourth of July!
Enjoy with a spoon or use graham crackers to dip.
Be safe and enjoy your family, friends, food, and fireworks this holiday. Happy Fourth of July!
Here’s to a healthier you.
For more information please call Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at [email protected].