Home Fireworks For July 4: How to Stay Safe

CORAL GABLES, FL — There's no shortage of professional fireworks displays around South Florida on the Fourth of July, but if you are planning to get your boom, crackle, sparkle on at home, Patch has put together some safety tips to keep in mind courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Most importantly, parents are reminded to keep an eye on small children. But first responders also urge people to purchase only legal fireworks.

"It's important for parents to be present when fireworks are ignited, and to ensure that the materials are lit in an open area away from homes, vehicles and any combustibles," advises Erika Benitez of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. "Young children should not be allowed to handle fireworks. Parents should teach children to be prepared, safe and responsible."

See also: Miami Fourth of July 2017 Fireworks: Times, Locations, Weather And Parking and 4th of July Holiday Cocktail Recipes

Here are some more tips to keep in mind from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue:

• Light fireworks in a safe area, such as a driveway or other paved surface.
• Keep fireworks at least 25 feet away from grassy and vegetated areas.
• Never attempt to relight or alter malfunctioning fireworks. After allowing them to stand for several minutes, discard in a pail of water. Keep a hose and bucket of water nearby.
• Light one firework at a time, and move away quickly. Fireworks should never be held or thrown. Remain a safe distance away from the devices.
• If clothes catch fire, remember to STOP, DROP onto the ground, cover your face, and ROLL over and over until the fire goes out.

"The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department stresses that adults consuming alcohol while discharging fireworks are a significant contributor to fireworks mishaps and are likelier to suffer injury," said Benitez.

"Even sparklers, which burn at over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, can be dangerous if used improperly," she added.

Patch File Photo