Independence Day Safety USA ~ Pawprints and Purrs, Inc.

"The day will be the most memorable in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade... bonfires and illuminations (fireworks) from one end of this continent to other, from this day forward forevermore."

-John Adams on July 3, 1776 to his wife after the Continental Congress
decided to proclaim the American Colonies independent of England.

Our 4th of July traditions of parades, cookouts and FIREWORKS all are part of our celebration of this American Holiday. No one enjoys the magical brilliance of a fireworks display quite so much as on July 4th. Fireworks, even legal fireworks, present risks that result in deaths, blindings, amputations and severe burns. Illegal fireworks are significantly more dangerous. Fireworks safety is a vital component of our celebration:

LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS! But if fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, here are important safety tips:

Buy fireworks only from licensed retail outlets
Never experiment with homemade or altered fireworks
Follow directions carefully - with close adult supervision
Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
Read and follow all warnings and instructions
Be sure other people and animals are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks at people or animals
Before using fireworks, get permission from the property owner
Use fireworks outdoors on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers
Light one firework at a time - then move back quickly!
Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby
Never carry fireworks in your pocket

PET SAFETY:

Never take a pet to a fireworks display
During the hours when the sound of fireworks can be heard, don't keep dogs in yards because they may run away
While attending fireworks, keep your pet in a cool, well-ventilated room, with a radio or TV playing softly in the background. Windowless rooms are best since frightened dogs have been known to jump through windows and screens
If you think your pet may become agitated, discuss the possibility of tranquilizers with your veterinarian
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing ID tags
After the 4th watch your pets during neighborhood walks, making sure they are not exposed to potentially harmful fireworks debris

FIREWORKS THAT ARE BANNED UNDER FEDERAL LAW:

M-80s, cherry bombs and any firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams (about 1/6th the weight of a typical aspirin tablet) of powder.
Large re-loadable shells
Aerial bombs
Mail-order kits for building fireworks

STATES THAT BAN ALL CONSUMER FIREWORKS: including those which are allowed by U.S Consumer Product safety Commisssion regulations: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont.

STATE HAVING NO FIREWORKS LAWS EXCEPT AT COUNTY LEVEL: Nevada

STATES THAT ALLOW ONLY SPARKLERS AND/OR OTHER NOVELTIES: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania.

STATES THAT ALLOW SOME OR ALL TYPES OF CONSUMER FIREWORKS approved by enforcing authority, or as specified in law: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

"In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776: "When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

SOURCES:
Nat'l Council of Firework Safety
Pyrotechnics Guild International
US Consumer Product safety Commisssion
Texas Fireworks Safety
I Love America Gfx & Starmen Courtesy ILA

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