Fourth of July and Firecracker Safety

Celebrating is a lot of fun, but there are some important things to remember. Using sparklers or firecrackers is against the law in some states—have your parents help you check your state by going to www.fireworksafety.com and go to state laws.

If it is legal to use fireworks in your state, be sure to know exactly which fireworks you can use. Only adults should handle fireworks and keep the following rules:

  1. Light fireworks away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
  2. Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and pouring over fireworks that do not go off.
  3. Do not re-light or handle fireworks that are not going off correctly.
  4. Be sure people are far away before lighting fireworks.
  5. Never light fireworks in a container—especially glass or metal.
  6. Store fireworks in a dry, cool place and check instructions for storage.
  7. Never put any part of your body over a firework when lighting.
  8. Never experiment with homemade fireworks.

Be Safe At Halloween

Keep your Halloween fun and safe by following these simple safety tips:

Pumpkin Carving Safety

  1. Carve pumpkins only when there is an adult.
  2. Use a kid-safe carving saw—no knives.
  3. Keep carving tools away from younger children.
  4. Have adults light the jack-o-lantern or use a battery-operated light.
  5. Keep candle-lit jack-o-lanterns away from flammable materials.
  6. Extinguish your pumpkin’s flame at the end of the party or evening.

Trick-or-Treat Safety

  • Be sure your costume fits properly so you can move easily.
  • Use make-up instead of masks to see clearly.
  • Carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape for nighttime visibility.
  • Wear light colors to be seen easily.
  • Never trick-or-treat alone.
  • Never go inside a stranger’s home to get your candy.
  • Let an adult inspect all your candy before eating.

Christmas and Hanukah Safety

Celebrating religious holidays can provide a special opportunity for hazards. Remember:

  1. Keep candles away from flammable objects.
  2. Blow out candle flames after an event or before bedtime.
  3. Stay away from decorative lights—especially if the ground is wet.
  4. Keep dry pine boughs away from hot decorative lights.
  5. Be sure to do your holiday baking with an adult.
  6. Never use indoor lights outside.
  7. Unplug lights before going to bed at night.
  8. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.
  9. Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
  10. Remember that many holiday plants are poisonous.