Cooperative Living July 2017 - 24

SafetySense
Festive
Stay safe while celebrating
N
othing says Fourth of July like a spectacular display of
exploding lights. But while fireworks and sparklers are a
popular part of Independence Day celebrations, Virginia
has strict laws against possessing, selling or using unlawful
fireworks. These include skyrockets, torpedoes and other
fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air or fire
projectiles into the air.
Some localities completely ban the sale, possession and use of
any type of fireworks, including sparklers, and require a permit
for professional fireworks displays. So even though fireworks,
such as sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, pinwheels and
whirligigs are legal to buy in Virginia, it does not mean they are
legal to use everywhere and anywhere.
The safest way to enjoy an Independence Day celebration is to
head to a local fireworks show, but for those who may be
celebrating at home, here are 10 safety tips:
* Set boundaries on who will have access to the fireworks and
have a designated person handle them.
* The designated handler should use eye protection and move
quickly away after lighting each one.
* Follow directions on the label. Only light one firework at a
time - and never re-light a " dud. "
* Light fireworks in parking lots, driveways or gravel/dirt areas.
Stay away from woods, grassy fields or any combustible materials.
* Have a rake or shovel as well as a bucket of water, wet towel or
garden hose nearby.
* To prevent injuries, don't throw fireworks or try to shoot them
from a metal or glass container.
* Monitor the area for several hours after using fireworks - just
one stray spark can start a wildfire.
* When cleaning up debris, wait 15 minutes, then place used
fireworks and any duds in a bucket of water to make sure they
are completely extinguished.
* Store unused fireworks, matches and lighters out of the sight
and reach of children.
* Noise from fireworks could prompt a pet to run away to escape
the noise. Also, many dogs think twirling or spinning fireworks
are something they should go fetch and bring back to their owners,
which could harm the pet or carry the flaming fireworks off
into dry grass or woods and start a fire. Keep your pets inside
during the fireworks show, using a crate or small, dimly lit
room with a TV or radio on to help drown out the noise.
A much better and safer alternative to personal fireworks are
the community displays. Check your local news source for
information on times and locations, or go online. 
Sources: www.dof.virginia.gov/ fire/safety/fireworks.htm,
wikipedia.org
How the Celebrating Began
On July 4, 1777, Philadelphia
residents celebrated the signing of
the Declaration of Independence
the previous year by lighting
candles, ringing bells, firing guns
and setting off firecrackers.
However, celebrations remained
modest until the War of
Independence finally came to an
end in 1783. Then, Independence Day
observances spread rapidly across our
new nation, with speeches, military events, parades and
fireworks as part of the celebration. However, it was not until
1941 that Congress declared July Fourth a federal holiday. 
22 | Cooperative Living | July 2017
www.co-opliving.com
Fireworks
and
Sparklers
For those who may be celebrating at home, here are some safety tips.
READER PHOTO: TIFFANY HALL
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/ http://www.wikipedia.org http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living July 2017

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