For many people, it’s not Fourth of July without sparklers.
While sparklers don’t pose the same dangers as fireworks, sparkler safety is still something you’ll want to keep in mind.
That’s because the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit–that’s as hot as a blow torch! And they are especially likely to injure children.
Fortunately, there are some easy do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Good Housekeeping has 10 ways to keep you and your family safe this Fourth of July.
Sparklers are a mixture of hardened chemicals on a wire or a stick. Unlike firecrackers, they burn slowly because of the proportions of the chemical mix. While they’re easy to buy and light and fun to watch, they can be dangerous. Be sure to adhere to these safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety.
- Find out if fireworks, including sparklers, are legal in your city and state. Don’t cross borders to buy them if they’re not.
- If sparklers will be used by children under the age of 12, supervise them carefully and teach them these safety tips:
- Sparkler holders should be standing up, not sitting down.
- Wear closed-toe shoes, definitely not flip flops, when you’re handling sparklers.
- Give each child her own individual sparkler and then light it … don’t pass an already lit sparkler.
- Lighting more than one stick at a time can be dangerous.
- Everyone using a sparkler should be at least six feet from one another.
- While it may seem festive to wave a sparkler, that’s a big no-no.
- Sparklers aren’t batons. Never toss or throw them.
- The stick can remain hot long after the flame is gone, so it should be disposed of in a bucket of water.
For more sparkler safety guidelines visit www.fireworksafety.com.
Following these safety precautions will ensure a safe and happy Fourth!
