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Fireworks Safety
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Or...How to have fun while keeping all your fingers, vision
and forested areas in tact on and around the 4th of July!
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Remember!
- M80's, M100's or M1,000's are illegal explosive devices. They
are NOT fireworks. They can cause amputations and other severe
life-changing injuries. They are federally illegal and their use or possession
has legal consequences.
- Fireworks are prohibited on School Properties - In 2004 there were 18
fireworks-related fire incidents at schools.
- Find out the fireworks laws for your area.
*1 According to Washington State Fire Marshall website.
Celebrate safely
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Before you light fireworks - be prepared.
Purchase only legal fireworks, available at approved stands.
Talk with family members and guests about the laws for your area.
Place pets indoors; they may become frightened.
Keep a bucket of water nearby in which to place all used fireworks.
Have a water hose or fire extinguisher nearby to put out stray sparks.
Know the emergency number to call for your area, your address/location, and
basic first aid.
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When lighting fireworks - be safe.
- Never use fireworks in or near our states wild areas including forests,
brush lands, grasslands or prairies.
- Never use fireworks on wind days when they can behave erratically or blow
into flammable fuels.
- Follow family boundaries, only a designated adult should light all
fireworks.
- Light one at a time, move away quickly, and keep at a safe distance until
the display is finished.
- Use only outdoors, away from anything that can burn.
- To prevent injuries, never throw fireworks and never hold fireworks in
your hand.
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After you finish - be responsible.
- Clean up all debris when finished.
- If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least fifteen
minutes and approach it carefully.
- Place it in a bucket of water to soak.
- Be sure all unused fireworks matches and lighters are out of the sight and
reach of children.
(Taken from http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/kids.htm)
History of Fireworks in the U.S.
Fireworks were associated with Independence Day celebrations a year after the
signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The discovery of gunpowder and the invention of the first fireworks are
traditionally credited to the Chinese, although India is also a likely source.
The sound of these first firecrackers, which appeared about 1,000 years ago, was
so loud that the Chinese were convinced that the noise would scare away evil
spirits. Since then, any event -- a birth, death, wedding, coronation, or New
Year's celebration -- has become a fitting occasion for noisemakers.
The earliest settlers brought their enthusiasm for fireworks to this country.
Firing of black powder was used to celebrate holidays. This fascination with the
noise and color of fireworks continues today.
Fireworks were associated with Independence Day celebrations a year after the
signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
By the American Revolution, fireworks had long played a part in celebrating
important events. It was natural that not only John Adams, but also many of his
countrymen should think of fireworks when independence was declared. The very
first celebrations of Independence Day were in 1777, six years before Americans
knew whether the new nation would survive the war. Fireworks were a part of
these festivities. In 1789, George Washington's inauguration was also
accompanied by a fireworks display.
Fireworks have been with Americans since the nation's very beginnings. Let's
continue to celebrate safely on this and every Independence Day.
Taken Washington State Fire Marshal: www.wsp.wa.gov/fireworks/mediakit/history.htm
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