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“The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch them at a community event where they are handled by professionals.” - Dr. Charles Pruitt, Primary Children’s Hospital Safe Kids USA recommends these precautions: • Don’t ever let kids play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces and children should watch from a safe distance with plenty of adult supervision. • Keep all children under active supervision at all times and give them your undivided attention • Teach your children how to call 911 in an emergency and what to do if their clothing catches fire - Stop, Drop and Roll. • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. • Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers. • Don’t modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks. • Light fireworks only on a smooth, flat surface and aim them away from spectators, buildings, dry leaves and other flammable materials. • Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting. • Don’t try to relight fireworks that malfunction, or duds. • Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face. • Keep a phone handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap and douse fireworks remains in water before discarding. Visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the fireworks you are using aren’t subject to any recalls. Have a safe and Happy 4 of July! th