There's no holiday like the 4th. For fun-ness, this day flat-out rules. When it comes to celebrating it safely though, we'd like to remind Iowans there's a right way to use fireworks, and a wrong way. To keep it safe and fun, we'd like to share some helpful "rules" to help make sure your 4th rules. Check them out.
- SAFE IS SIMPLE
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Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. We're talking devastating burns, eye injuries, loss of fingers and hands - even death. So, follow these simple rules and keep it safe and fun for everyone:
- Always have an adult in charge of lighting fireworks.
- Never give fireworks to small children. Even sparklers can burn people.
- The person lighting the fireworks should not be drinking alcohol.
- Always read the directions on a firework's label.
- Set up your fireworks on a steady, flat surface.
- Make sure there are no flammable materials near the "launch site."
- Spectators should be 20 feet away from a fountain-style display, and 40 feet away from an aerial fireworks display.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Don't try to relight "dud" fireworks.
- Never throw or point a firework at a person.
- Do not shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.
- Properly dispose of used fireworks by dousing them in water. Let them sit for 10 or 15 minutes to make sure flames are out.
- SMART STARTS HERE
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Is it time to start loading up on fireworks? Not so fast. There are dangerous and illegal fireworks out there. The kind that can turn a fun night into a nightmare. We put together the rules below to give you the scoop on how to buy smart, be safe-and make your 4th rule.
Only buy legal consumer fireworks from a licensed store, stand or tent. They typically have brightly colored labels with the manufacturer's name, directions and warnings.
It is often a sign that a firework is not for consumer use if it is packaged in brown paper. Only purchase a device that is labeled as a consumer firework labeled with "UN0336" or "UN0337."
M-80s, M-100s, blockbusters, and quarterpounders aren't fireworks - they're illegal, federally-banned explosives that are dangerous.
Display fireworks are meant to be used in commercial shows, under the supervision of a trained pyrotechnician. They exceed the limits of explosive materials for consumers like you
- KNOW MORE, ENJOY MORE
- CONSUMER FIREWORKS RECALL INFORMATION
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Visit the USCPSC's Recall website at https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls and search for "fireworks" or Download the CPSC Recall App
- GS Fireworks Recall
- Grandmas Fireworks Recall
- Patriot Pyrotechnics/Bill's Fireworks Recall
- Keystone G-Force Fireworks Recall
PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR FACE TO STOP A MORTAR
PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR HAND AS A LAUNCH PAD
PLEASE DO NOT MIX FIREWORKS AND ALCOHOL