A guide to fireworks safety; celebrating the nation's birthday on July 4th | Community Spirit

According to an article released by New Mexico Kirtland Air Force Base, anyone celebrating the nations birthday this July 4th with fireworks is encouraged to use them as carefully as possible.

Attending a professional show is the smartest and safest way to enjoy the grandeu of a fireworks display, especially on account of New Mexico's current drought conditions and high fire hazards.

Consumers are urged by the National Council on Fireworks Safety to be smart before, during and after consumer fireworks displays.
Before
- Choose an open area away from spectators, homes, buildings and dry vegetation.
- Use a garden hose to wet down the area before firing.

During
- As each device burns out, soak it using a hose or a bucket of water.

After
- Place all used items in a covered, fireproof container and leave it outside away from homes and buildings.

For sparklers
- Children under age 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
- Always remain standing while using sparklers.
- Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
- Never hold or light more than one sparkler at a time.
- Sparklers and bare feet can be a painful combination. Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
- Sparkler wires and sticks remain hot long after the flame has gone out. Be sure to drop the spent sparkler directly in a bucket of water.
- Never hand a lit sparkler to another person.
- Treat fireworks with respect, read all of the cautions and warnings and use common sense.
- Lighting fireworks indoors, throwing them from automobiles and lighting multiple devices at the same time can lead to accidents and are not how fireworks are intended to be used.
- Always obey all local laws pertaining to the use of fireworks.

Bottom line
If you see someone misusing fireworks, stop them. Show them the correct way to use consumer fireworks and do not ever use professional fireworks or illegal explosives.

Do your part and everyone will be safer. Just like with driving, fireworks and alcohol do not mix.