Fireworks safety: Things you should know before you bring the show home
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Memorial Day is next week, and safety on top of mind as fireworks get set off for the holiday and throughout the summer.
It’s also a time when fires could spread more with the heat and dry land.
No matter what level of celebration you have in your backyard, experts say there are some things you need to know before you bring the fireworks show home.
“With all the storm debris on the ground and the dry conditions we’ve had, fireworks can easily set off a brush fire,” said Sergeant Adam Bone, North Augusta Department of Public Safety. “It won’t take much, just an ember can cause it to go, and the winds will carry it quickly.”
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We spoke with an employee at 2 Sons Fireworks in Augusta on how you can prevent fires this summer when setting off fireworks.
“I think one thing I recommend to our customers is to have some kind of extinguisher or hose nearby, which is something my family does,” said Pryce Drafts, with 2 Sons Fireworks.
Having it handy is one thing, but doing a little prep work could go a long way.
“I think even wetting the grounds right before you shoot, especially in a time like this, like you said, it’s super dry and there is brush all over the ground, especially after the hurricane, it’s very important to be extra careful,” said Drafts.
Knowing your equipment is also important. Make sure you read warning labels like these before setting up.
Different tubes are recommended for different mortars. For smaller fireworks, you will want to use these smaller tubes, but not use them more times than they’re intended.
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“As you get up into the bigger mortars, you’ll have bigger, more plastic-based tubes,” said Drafts. “These are going to be more durable, these are going to be your most durable tubes.”
And the safety concern doesn’t stop after the boom.
“Keep your fireworks separate from where you are storing the unused fireworks,” said Bone. “Try to keep a water hose or a bucket of water around and make sure you are properly discarding the spent fireworks.”
Big holiday celebrations, however, are not just about the fireworks.
“Best way to protect yourself during bar-b-ques and bonfires is to just make sure you don’t keep your BBQs too close to the house or close to any structures, and make sure all the coals are out before leaving and don’t leave them unattended,” said Bone.
At several fireworks stores, they say they have experts on hand to show you how to safely set off fireworks at home.
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