Ensure your Independence Day fun is filled with celebration and not regret with these 9 safety tips, from the Riverside Police Department:
Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire.
If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Douse and soak them with water then throw them away.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal.
Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs.
Open your gas grill before lighting.
Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited.
Declare a three-foot "kid and pet-free zone" around the grill to keep them safe.
You can find more information and tips on Fourth of July safety by visiting http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fireworks.html