Errors in Judgment to Avoid Making When Lighting Fireworks

Despite how dangerous fireworks can be in careless hands, many of us make errors in judgment when lighting them. Unfortunately, since we regard firework-related injuries as unlikely outcomes, we often make poor judgment calls until serious injuries occur. To avoid injuries, property damage, and other unfortunate consequences, familiarize yourself with some of the most common errors in judgment people make when handling fireworks. By reading up on such blunders, you can equip yourself with the knowledge to steer clear of them.   

Purchasing Fireworks That Are Unsafe

Consumers should always exercise the utmost discernment when shopping for fireworks. So, if you’re currently looking to purchase rocket fireworks – or any other type of fireworks, for that matter – take care to do a bit of research before committing to buy. For one thing, you should confirm that any company from which you intend to purchase fireworks has a track record of excellence and dependability. If you buy fireworks from a company with a less-than-stellar reputation, you shouldn’t be surprised to find their products disappointing.

Buying fireworks intended for professional displays is another major blunder you’ll need to avoid. Given how powerful these fireworks are and how much damage they can cause, they should never be handled or set off by non-professionals. If you have any questions regarding the strength or safety of a firework, don’t hesitate to contact its manufacturer.   

Lighting Fireworks Multiple Times

Lighting a firework multiple times is something you should never do. However, even if a firework appears to be a dud, attempting to re-light it may lead to a very undesirable outcome. For instance, in the case of a delayed ignition, trying to re-light a firework is liable to result in a direct collision between yourself and an active firework. So, while a firework failing to ignite properly after being lit may be disappointing, disappointment is no excuse for taking a risk of this magnitude.    

Approaching Fireworks That Haven’t Been Properly Extinguished

Under no circumstances should you approach a firework that hasn’t been properly extinguished. Some fireworks that appear fully ignited still have some kick left in them, and approaching one stands to result in a direct collision and/or severe burns. Additionally, throwing away a firework that hasn’t been properly extinguished can lead to a trash fire. To help prevent these outcomes, make sure to thoroughly douse all used fireworks with water before approaching them or throwing them away. This is why keeping a large bucket of water or a powerful hose within easy reach is strongly recommended when dealing with fireworks.

Allowing Children to Set Off Fireworks

It’s no secret that kids are naturally drawn to the bright colors and festively loud noises associated with fireworks. As such, it’s hardly surprising that children tend to gravitate towards fireworks at any event that involves them. However, this doesn’t mean that young children should ever be entrusted with the task of setting off fireworks, regardless of how much they plead. No matter how responsible a child is, they’re still just a child – and fireworks are not toys. Furthermore, make sure to require children to view fireworks from a safe distance and prohibit them from approaching any fireworks, regardless of whether they’re active or extinguished.

Failing to Exercise Caution When Lighting Fireworks

Before lighting a firework, take care to don protective eyewear, as this will help prevent sparks from making contact with your eyes. Furthermore, avoid placing any part of your body directly over a firework while lighting a firework. Lastly, once a firework has been lit, you should promptly put a safe distance between yourself and it, as this will limit the chances of burns, collisions, and other injuries.   

It’s easy to see why so many people let their guard down when handling fireworks. After all, if you’ve never been on the receiving end of a firework-related injury, you may think that such incidents are rare and unlikely to occur. However, as many Americans come to find every summer, one’s luck in such matters can change in an instant – and one bad call is all it takes to facilitate a truly undesirable outcome. With this in mind, make every effort to avoid making the errors in judgment outlined above.