Explosions!

Back in my day (and place), every town had sponsored firework displays on the 4th of July.  Not so in Santa Cruz County.  Scotts Valley has a show which is a big hit for families – and it was canceled last year, so you can bet it will be packed with onlookers this year.  But, lets be frank… there are those that aren’t down with the SV crowd.  You know who you are… you’re going down to the beach, aren’t ya?  Don’t lie.  You picked up some fireworks on a trip to Montana or some such place, and you’re going to set those suckers off.

I know.  I can hear your thoughts.

I suppose I don’t have to remind you that setting off fireworks is illegal here in Santa Cruz County… or that we’re in wildfire prone area… or that setting off fireworks can be really dangerous to your person.  What I can do is give you some tips from my neck of the woods that can help keep you a bit safer.  Of course, we recommend that you find an alternative to this dangerous and illegal activity, which takes a huge amount of resources away from our law enforcement and fire officials every year to contain.  Check out this PDF from the Denver Red Cross chapter for more facts about the amazing amount of injuries that fireworks cause every year [PDF]  (There are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission).

You could have a bonfire… you can’t roast marshmallows on a firework!

Never:

• Make your own fireworks.
• Re-light an ineffective firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Have any part of your body over fireworks.
• Carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Light fireworks indoors.
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

Always:

• Have an adult present
• Wear eye protection
• Use earplugs if you have sensitive ears
• Properly dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and then depositing them in a trashcan.
• always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close-by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection and is an adult.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight “a dud.”
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.

Just in case you didn’t get my drift the first time, here’s an article reinforcing firework laws in the County care of the Mid-County Post: http://www.mcpost.com/article.php?id=1998

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