3 ways to light fireworks safely

More than 11,000 Americans suffer injuries from fireworks every year, and Charlotte firefighters want residents to be careful not to add to that number.

Injuries can be avoided if people operating fireworks do so safely, said Amy Krise, an educator with the Charlotte Fire Department.

“That’s the biggest thing, that the adults using them are being responsible,” she said.

Krise warned that fireworks are a threat to communities. Flames spread particularly quickly this time of year, because grass is drier and more flammable, she said.

Here are three rules to follow:

▪ The majority of firework-related injuries are to the hands, eyes and face, Krise said. After lighting a firework, all participants should move away. Once it’s lit, do not approach the device to pick it up or move it. Once it has gone off, do not try to reignite it. Wait for the device to die out, then pour water on it before throwing it away.

▪ Do not light fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and do not let children play with or ignite them. Krise warned that parents often let young children hold sparklers, which can heat up to 2,000 degrees and remain hot after they stop sparkling.

▪ Fireworks legal for sale in North Carolina may not launch into the air. It’s also illegal to use or own fireworks that spin or explode.

Krise said the safest option is to avoid lighting fireworks altogether.

“We advocate for folks to go to the big, professional shows,” she said.

This story was originally published July 1, 2015 at 6:14 PM with the headline "3 ways to light fireworks safely."