Promoting safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks

(Source:  Promoting safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks" National Council of Firework Safety

http://www.fireworkssafety.org/safety-tips/)

Recommended Safety Tips

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

And let’s not forget the safety of our pets!

• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display, even a small one.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains, etc.) near pets.

Follow These Ghoulishly Good Best Practices

• To help ensure adults and children have a safe holiday, the American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled a list of Halloween Safety Tips, including do's and don'ts on the trick-or-treat trail:
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
• If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you
• Agree on a specific time when children should return home
• Only go to homes with a porch light on and never enter a home or car for a treat

Children and adults are reminded to put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don't run, across the street. NSC offers the following safety tips for parents – and anyone who plans to be on the road during trick-or-treat hours:

Safety Tips for Motorists

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing

Trick-or-Treating

• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and avoid trick-or-treating alone
• Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home
• Teach your children to never enter a stranger's home

Costumes

• All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
• If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags to make sure they are visible
• When buying Halloween makeup, make sure it is nontoxic and always test it in a small area first
• Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation

Hurricanes are strong storms that can be life-threatening as well as cause serious property-threatening hazards such as flooding, storm surge, high winds and tornadoes.

Preparation is the best protection against the dangers of a hurricane. Know the difference between the threat levels and plan accordingly.

HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio (Available on the Red Cross Store) for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Check your disaster supplies. Replace or restock as needed.
• Bring in anything that can be picked up by the wind (bicycles, lawn furniture).
• Close your windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If you do not have hurricane shutters, close and board up all windows and doors with plywood.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting. Keep them closed as much as possible so that food will last longer if the power goes out.
• Turn off propane tank.
• Unplug small appliances.
• Fill your car’s gas tank.
• Create a hurricane evacuation plan with members of your household. Planning and practicing your evacuation plan minimizes confusion and fear during the event.
• Find out about your community’s hurricane response plan. Plan routes to local shelters, register family members with special medical needs and make plans for your pets to be cared for.
• Obey evacuation orders. Avoid flooded roads and washed out bridges.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio - NOAA Weather Radio, if possible (Available at the Red Cross Store)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket (Available at the Red Cross Store)
• Map(s) of the area
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Rain gear
• Insect repellent and sunscreen
• Camera for photos of damage

Resources:

https://www.fema.gov/

http://www.redcross.org/

BEACH SAFTEY TIPS:

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 and be sure to reapply throughout the day.
• Be sure to drink plenty of water.
• Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses that absorb 100 percent of UV sunlight.
• Protect your feet from hot sand, glass, and other sharp objects.
• Swim at a lifeguarded beach, and stay within the designated swimming areas.

HIGHWAY SAFETY:

• Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night.
• Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.

FIREWORKS SAFETY:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Never throw or point a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

GRILLING SAFETY:

• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
• Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
• Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
• Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
• Use the long-handled tools specially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.