Independence Day is just around the corner. It is a time for parades, food, family, and yes — fireworks. Many families in our area are planning to have their own private fireworks display rather than attending a public display.Each year, the Woodstock Fire Department responds to calls for service as a result of carelessness and/or the improper use of fireworks. In an effort to keep yourself and the people around you safe, please consider the following fireworks safety recommendations from The National Council on Fireworks Safety:
Recommended Safety Tips-Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.-Know your fireworks. Be sure to read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.-A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.-Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.-Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.-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 twenty minutes, and then soak it in a bucket of water.-Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.-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 then place them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.-FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.-Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.
Let’s Not Forget the Safety of Our Pets!-Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.-If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.-Make sure your pet has an identification tag in case it runs off during a fireworks display.-Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.
The women and men at the Woodstock Fire Department wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable holiday.
to your business!