Ernst & Haas Management Co Blog

[caption id="attachment_1221" align="aligncenter" width="275" caption="The Fourth of July is a great way to honor our country's independence, but we need to do it safely!"][/caption] Fourth of July is less than a week away and it's not just a day that commemorates the United States' independence - it's a holiday that is celebrated with others, whether it be over a barbecue, or under a fireworks show. Fireworks themselves bring emotions of awe and wonder, but can be dangerous if not handled correctly. The following are some safety tips provided by the National Council on Fireworks Safety to follow this Fourth of July in an effort to enjoy the day and bask in independence without anyone getting harmed: 1. Use fireworks outdoors only. Indoor use is prohibited and a huge danger. 2. Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them. 3. Always have water handy. A hose or a bucket will do. 4. Only use fireworks as intended. Refrain from trying to alter them or combine them. 5. Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. 6. Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses. 7. Alcohol and fireworks don't mix. Have a "designated shooter". 8. Check the age. Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. 9. Don't ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives. Simply put, they can kill you. Report illegal explosives to the fire and police departments in your community. 10. Sparklers require special safety tips. When using sparklers, it's important to always remain standing; never hold or light more than one at a time; wear closed-toe shoes; drop into a bucket of water once spent; never hand a lighted sparkler to another person; stand six feet from another person while in use; and properly teach children how to hold a sparkler.