Fun, safe 4th of July - take this test

  • Published
  • By Patti Holloway, 349th Public Affairs
  • 349 AMW
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The number one way to have a great Independence Day celebration is to obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks. If “safe and sane” fireworks are legal in your city, take this test to see if you are ready:

Firework safety test
1. What is the first thing to do before lighting a firework?
2. How do you know if you are buying quality legal fireworks?
3. Where should you light watch fireworks?
4. It’s always good to have _____ handy when having a fireworks display.
5. How many fireworks should you light at a time?
6. If a firework does not work after lighting it, how long should you wait before trying to light it again?
7. Should small children handle and light fireworks?
8. What should you do if a firework fails to work after lighting it?
9. Where should you store fireworks?
10. How should you dispose of a discharged firework?
11. How should you carry fireworks?
12. What part of your body should be over a firework while lighting it?
13. What safety equipment should you wear when lighting a firework?
14. Are illegal explosives like M-80’s and Cherry Bombs really dangerous or just more fun?
15. Is it safe to throw or point a firework at another person?
16. How do you find out what fireworks are legal to buy and shoot in your city?
17. Should kids and teenagers be allowed to handle and shoot fireworks without a responsible adult close by?
18. How many fireworks should you carry to the lighting area?
19. What device should you use to light a firework?
20. Is it OK to drink alcohol and light fireworks?

ANSWERS
1. Read the warning or caution label carefully and follow all directions.
2. Always buy from a reliable seller.
3. Always light outdoors away from combustible material, buildings and plants.
4. Water.
5. Light only one firework at a time.
6. Never try to re-light a firework.
7. No.
8. Wait for 15 to 20 minutes and then dump the firework in a bucket of water and let it soak.
9. If at all possible, don’t store fireworks. If you do, store them in a cool dry place and out of the reach of children.
10. Soak them in a bucket of water before disposing of them in a trashcan.
11. Carry fireworks in their original bag or box.
12. No part of your body should be over the firework while lighting it.
13. Eye protection should be worn when lighting fireworks.
14. Illegal explosives are really dangerous and should never be used.
15. It is never safe to point or throw fireworks at other people or animals.
16. Ask a reliable seller or the local police or fire department.
17. Close adult supervision is always needed.
18. One. All other fireworks should be kept at a safe distance so they don’t accidentally become lighted.
19. Except for sparklers, a punk should be used to like fireworks. A match or lighter is required for sparklers.
20. No. Have a “designated lighter.”

How did you do?
20 out of 20 – Have fun!
18 out of 20 – You are pretty safe, but you learned a couple of things
15 out of 20 – Okay, take it again and see if you can do better!
14 or less – Let’s leave the fireworks to the professionals!

Editor note: Article compiled from information provided by https://www.fireworkssafety.org/