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.
