Community Corner

10 Fireworks Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe This Fourth of July

Keep you, your kids and neighbors safe this Independence Day by following the below safety guidelines.

(This article was written by Jay Corn.)

In 2011, an estimated 17, 8000 reported fires were started by fireworks, an estimated 9,600 people were treated for fireworks related injuries and sparklers were the No. 1 cause of injuries.

The following are 10 tips from the Excelsior Fire District:
  1. Use fireworks with close adult supervision
  2. Read and understand fireworks directions. Read caution labels before igniting.
  3. KEEP FIREWORKS AWAY FROM CHILDREN. Sparklers alone burn at 1800 degrees.
  4. Never place any part of your body over a fireworks device. Approach and light from the side. Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
  5. NEVER aim or throw fireworks at a person, animal, building, vehicle, wooded area, or combustibles.
  6. Stay away from a failed fireworks devise for an extended amount of time. 
  7. Never re-light a failed devise and always soak with/in water before handling.
  8. Monitor wind speed and direction when discharging fireworks to avoid having fireworks devices blown into trees, house roofs, fields, etc.
  9. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
  10. When using fireworks use common sense, courtesy, and respect those around you.

Go to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office web site and play the Interactive  Summer Safety Challenge Game and test your knowledge on Fireworks and Summer Safety https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/sfm/public-education/Pages/Interactive-Games.aspx.

If you have any questions or need additional information, a complete list of legal and non-legal fireworks, storage and transportation of fireworks, and safety guidelines can be obtained on Minnesota State Fire Marshals web site at www.fire.state.mn.us or by calling 651-215-0500.

Firecrackers of any size, bottle rockets, roman candles, and parachutes are just some fireworks that are not legal in Minnesota. Examples of legal fireworks include sparklers, cones, and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. You must be 18 with a photo identification to purchase fireworks. Fireworks MAY NOT be used on public property such as the Commons, city owned docks, beaches, parks, trails, bridges, parking lots, schools, roads, alleys, and other government owned properties, etc.

Find out what's happening in Southwest Minneapoliswith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here