4th of July Fireworks Safety

Independance Day is just around the corner. Here are a few safety tips from the American Red Cross  and the Consumer Product Safety Commission on how to handle those fun light-at-home fireworks:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution - a large bucket of water or a garden hose.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks ALWAYS wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and NEVER attempt to relight a "dud."
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• NEVER throw or point a firework towards people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks have completed burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

At ALINK Insurance Services, your safety and security are our primary concern. Please contact us with any of your personal or commercial insurance needs or questions. We're here to help!