Ivy says:
The 4th is coming up, so I wanted to give you guys a few fireworks safety tips just in time for the big day! Fireworks are legal in 45 states, including Tennessee, the state I live in. If you live in a state where fireworks are legal, make sure you are following all the appropriate laws that apply in your state.
Remember:
- Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix! Or, at least, make sure the person lighting the fireworks is sober.
- This is obvious, but only use fireworks outside. Try telling some of my crazy friends from college that is obvious, though.
- Kids under the age of 16 should light fireworks only with adult supervision. Especially sparklers. I hate sparklers, I think they’re so dangerous and so many people will hand them to small children.
- Have your fire bucket/hose and a first aid kit at the ready. See below for a fun story about the time we failed to have a hose ready.
- If it’s been dry, water the crap out of your lawn before you start the fireworks. I have no idea if it works to keep your lawn safe, but I always figured it did.
- Again, obvious, but never point flying fireworks anywhere other than the sky. “Bottle rocket wars” are big with certain people around here. I want to smack the absolute crap out of people that have bottle rocket wars.
And now, for my big “keep the hose at the ready” story. When we moved from Indiana to Tennessee, we were excited because we could finally have all the awesome fireworks that flew way up into the air. What we didn’t realize was how sturdy the platform you’re firing the fireworks from needs to be. We were firing them off a 2×4 that was not very sturdy because of the grass underneath.
We lit one of the big “finale” fireworks, and the force from it tipped over the 2×4, aiming it straight at our new neighbor’s truck and bushes. Fortunately, the truck was okay. Our brand new neighbor’s bushes caught on fire. We, of course, freaked out. Once we located the hose, they were short about half a bush.
Let that be a lesson to you: make sure your fire bucket or hose is ALWAYS at the ready, and don’t shoot big fireworks off unsteady 2×4s.
What are some of your fun 4th of July mishaps?
Random Posts
Loading…
Tags: 3 Comments
I moved to the suburbs for the first time in my life last year. When I lived in the city everyone caravaned down to the largest city park and enjoyed a spectacular fireworks show under the stars among other city dwellers. I stayed home this past new year’s and nearly jumped out of my chair and ran to dial 911 when I heard explosions in the backyard. Surely the gas line had just gone up in flames. Turns out, no, it was only the neighbors behind us. The fireworks flamed and fell two streets away. Uh, I thought this was kinda illegal? Lucky it had rained the day before. We’re in a drought now so I wonder what the lovely redneck neighbors will do tomorrow! And they say that downtown is dangerous. Its nothing compared to the burbs
How did I not know you were from IN? Just what part, ma’am?
As for fireworks, I am anti-fireworks since I had kids. Nothing irks me more than someone setting these off after I laid my child down for bed.
I guess that means I am getting old??
Sorry, my rant:
As of this year I detest fireworks, they changed the laws in the fine state of Indiana, and now fireworks go off all the time, 24/7/365, and there is nothing you can do about it!
The governor, who does not have children who have to sleep, or pets who are scared of loud noises, decided that this would be a good idea.
I’m not talking small fountains here, I’m talking huge mortar round shells.
Our towns are allowed to set limits for in ‘city limits use’ to 13 days, but no one is obeying the limits set by the city.
And you cannot tell the difference between a firework and gun fire!