Don't win a Darwin Award this Fourth of July, some safety tips

When playing with explosives it’s best to keep things real. Here’s a few tips to ensure you don’t win a 2012 Darwin Award this Fourth of July, or worse yet, hurt another:

— Only use fireworks outdoors.

— Have a water hose or bucket handy.

— Do not alter fireworks, combine them or make your own.

— Never relight a “dud.” Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

— The person setting off fireworks should wear safety glasses and others should remain a safe distance away.

— Young children should not use sparklers A sparkler reaches a temperature of up to 2,000 Celsius (3,632 degrees Fahrenheit). The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-14, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

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