Here’s a reminder: if you live in Duval County it is officially illegal to shoot off fireworks. Unofficially of course, thousands of people will do it anyway.
Wherever you are celebrating the Fourth, there are some safety tips you need to know to avoid serious injury.
“Especially with sparklers.. This is one of the most underestimated items found on the 4th. Sparklers can generate temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees, 200 degrees hotter than a standard butane lighter,” said Tom Francis, who is Public Information Officer for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue.
Francis said make sure to have a garden hose nearby when setting off things like sparklers, and a bucket of water to drop them in.
Only light one item at a time, never try to relight a dud firework, and only buy fireworks from licensed dealers.
Melissa Ross can be reached at mross@wjct.org, 904-358-6382 or on Twitter at @MelissainJax.
Photo used under Creative Commons license.
