Division
of Fire Prevention Reminds Kentuckians of Firework Safety
Safe Advice: Celebrate at a Community Event
FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 25, 2018) - The Kentucky
Division of Fire Prevention encourages Kentuckians to attend community events
instead of celebrating with fireworks at home during this year’s Independence
Day festivities.
“Let the
professionals entertain your family,” said Mike Haney, state fire marshal and
director of fire prevention for the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings
and Construction. “By celebrating at a public event instead of at home, you
reduce the risk of injury and property damage. You may also avoid violating the
law.”
Anyone who does
celebrate with fireworks at home is encouraged to research state and local laws
before doing so. For example, state law prohibits people under 18 from
purchasing fireworks, and from selling fireworks unless supervised by a parent
or guardian. Fireworks cannot be used within 200 feet of a structure, vehicle
or other person, and fireworks cannot be sold to anyone who is under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.
In addition
to state law, local vendors are required to comply with local ordinances that
apply to the sale, purchase and use of fireworks. “Local governments set their
own firework ordinances, so be aware of the regulations in your own town,” said
Haney.
Haney also emphasized that safety and
supervision are key to a successful and injury-free celebration. Haney
recommends reviewing safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
- Know
your fireworks; read the 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.
- Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
- Never
relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of
water.
- Do
not experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Dispose
of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can
away from buildings or combustible materials.
- Report
any illegal explosives to the fire or police department.
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