Happy Fourth of July

By Staff
A bang-up Fourth of July should be a safe one, too
The tradition of celebrating with fireworks on the Fourth of July has never been more popular, according to the National Council on Fireworks Safety (www.fireworksafety.com). But it urges Americans to pay special attention to safety guidelines and avoid illegal devices to help ensure a safe Independence Day holiday.
Today's legal fireworks are safer than ever, in part because of stringent federal safety guidelines enacted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, said the spokesperson. But she said injuries could be avoided by following a few simple guidelines and one in particular.
The council recommends avoiding all illegal fireworks, such as cherry bombs, silver salutes and M80s. All of these items have been federally banned since 1966 because of the large amount of explosive materials they contain.
Illegal devices are usually unlabeled, do not bear a caution statement or a manufacturer's name. They are often extremely dangerous and do not conform to legal standards.
Commonly used legal fireworks include cones, fountains, aerial items and sparklers. But the spokesperson cautioned, "before setting off any fireworks, contact your local police or fire department to make sure fireworks are allowed in your area."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission requires that legal fireworks show the name of the item, the name of the manufacturer or distributor and easy-to-read cautionary labeling and instructions for proper use.
Firework FYI
The National Council on Fireworks Safety issued the following safety tips to help ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday: