06/29/11 — Fireworks safety tips

View Archive

Fireworks safety tips

By From staff reports
Published in News on June 29, 2011 1:46 PM

Goldsboro Fire Department Fire Inspector Capt. John A. Morton is urging city and county residents to stay safe this Fourth of July weekend.

Morton said that North Carolina, unlike neighboring South Carolina, is a "Safe and Sane" state that does not sell or permit usage without license of many projectile fireworks including bottle rockets and Roman candles.

He offered these safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

*Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.

*Always remain standing while using sparklers.

*Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.

*Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.

*Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.

*Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.

*Always have water handy (a hose or a bucket).

*Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.

*Alcohol and fireworks to not mix. Have a "designated shooter."