Sparkler and Other Small Fireworks Safety Tips
There are many times when sparklers and small consumer class fireworks and be a great addition to your celebration. Fourth of July is a big one here in America, birthday parties, graduations, New Year's Eve, and if you are like my family, anytime we have guests over we pull out a few boxes of 13″ wooden handled sparklers. Fun is the intent, still safety is a key factor in all situations involving fireworks. Sparklers can cause burns and have been know to start fires. So here are some tips to keep you, your family and friends safe when using sparklers and other small fireworks.
1. Young children require supervision. Many times children do not realize that the sparkler is hot and often bump the business end of a sparkler into someone or something. Years ago we had a dog nicknamed Sparky for this very reason!
2. Outdoors, outdoors, outdoors. Use all fireworks outdoors ALWAYS. If you have indoor cake sparklers that burn “cool” or have little to no smoke and ash fallout, check, double check, and triple check that the sparkler in your hand is safe for indoor use.
3. Keep all spent firework and sparkler trash, such as wire and wooden handles, in one place so they are not left on the ground for someone to stop on and either get a burn or impaled. A burn from a sparkler typically is going to result in tears and an ice pack, though it can be worse, but if someone steps on a wire, a trip to the emergency room for a tetanus booster may be in order. Not a fun way to end a summer party.
4. Never throw a sparkler. Sparklers last a range of 30 seconds to 3 minutes, and if they land on your roof, in a mulch bed, in dry grass, there is an extended amount of time for possible combustion to occur. Small poppers and other fused fireworks typically have a three to five second fuse and then a small, yet satisfying explosion. Yes, small fireworks are capable of starting a fire, however they do not have the open flame and extended burn of a sparkler.
5. It's not a bad idea to have a designated area for using sparklers and small fireworks~{It's not a bad idea to have a designated area for using sparklers and small fireworks}~It is a good idea to have a designated area for using sparklers and small fireworks~{A designated area a safe distance from the party is a good idea}~{Designate a safe area far enough away from the party to keep your friends safe}~A safe area designated for sparkler and fireworks is a very good idea}. Also, keep them stored securely with one person in charge of their distribution.
Keep in mind the different uses and types of sparklers and fireworks. Some birthday cake sparklers are intended for indoor use, they burn cool and for a relatively short period of time. Wedding sparklers are the typical sparklers we're all used to seeing, varying from small gray wire or wood handled type that burn intensely hot. They can be up to 36″ long and burn for more than two minutes or as short as 9″ and last no more than 30 seconds. Bear in mind your surroundings, the intent of the pyro, and stay safe by using the product as the manufacturer intends.
Tags: birthday cake sparklers, cake sparklers, party safety, sparklers, wedding sparklers
