Independence Day celebrations would seem incomplete without a traditional fireworks display.
\nHowever, fireworks are true to their name, as they emit a flame or spark to produce the beautiful colors that we all like to watch.
\nAs fire chief, Bob Lynn from the Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Company, advises, \u201cUsing general common sense will protect people and property.\u201d
\nThe National Council on Fireworks Safety agrees, and recommends these safety tips to help everyone have a fun and safe Fourth of July holiday:
\nPurchase fireworks from a known retail outlet
\nNever buy from unlicensed dealers, and select only legal devices. Stay away from illegal explosives with names such as Roman candles, Cherry bombs, M-100s, M-80s, Helicopters, Blockbusters, and Bottle Rockets. These have been banned in every state since 1966, and it is a felony to purchase or use such explosives.
\nRead and follow directions carefully before use
\nKnow how to use the firework before attempting to ignite it. Avoid \u201cunlabeled\u201d products that do not have the item\u2019s name, manufacturer, or instructions for correct use. Don\u2019t alter products, and definitely do not make your own. Mixing chemicals is very dangerous, and could cause injury or death.
\nStore and carry fireworks carefully
\nKeep unused fireworks in their original packaging in a cool, dry place.
\nNever carry them in your pockets or on your body. Inspect each firework to make sure it is defect-free and well constructed.
\nAdult supervision is mandatory
\nEven sparklers can cause serious damage, especially to children who do not fully understand the potential for harm. Constant supervision by a responsible adult is a MUST.
\nOne at a time and outdoors only
\nOnly light one firework at a time, and never re-light a \u201cdud\u201d. Chances are it could combust in your hands. Select a flat area outdoors that is away from buildings and homes, flammable materials, and dry vegetation. This will prevent a fire from having fuel to burn.
\nProtect yourself and others.
\nAlways wear eye protection, and keep all spectators and bystanders at least 25 feet away from the area where the fireworks will be ignited. Also, do not put any part of your body over the firework as it is being lit.
\nAct like an adult
\nDo not engage in horseplay around fireworks by pointing or throwing them at other people or pets. Accidents do happen!
\nWater, water everywhere.
\nIn case of malfunctioning fireworks, be prepared for an emergency by having a water source or fire extinguisher readily available.
\nDispose properly.
\nSoak used fireworks in a bucket of water before placing them in a garbage receptacle.
\nIn addition to using consumer fireworks, many people will watch large pyrotechnic displays locally. Shows like the one exhibited annually at Delgrosso\u2019s Amusement Park in Tipton are under strict regulations from federal, state, and local authorities to ensure public safety.
\n\u201cSafety has always been number one with us, even back when my Dad started having our show back in 1946,\u201d explains Joe Delgrosso. \u201cThe September 11th terrorist attacks caused us to implement even more controls.\u201d
\nThe park only allows licensed pyrotechnicians of Rozzi\u2019s Famous Fireworks to handle the equipment. Getting the fireworks from Rozzi\u2019s in Loveland, OH to Tipton, PA isn\u2019t easy either. The trucks in which the fireworks are shipped must be labeled with placards, designating the type of explosive cargo on board.
\nOnce here, the team setting up the display must secure the mortars into the ground with sand, mark off the \u201cdrop area\u201d in which used fireworks can fall safely back to ground without injuring guests, and strategically locate security personnel so that curious spectators don\u2019t enter unauthorized areas.
\nLighting the fireworks has also become easier for the experts from Rozzi\u2019s in recent years.
\n\u201cThe shells are ignited electrically, so there\u2019s no more hand-lighting of the fuses,\u201d adds Delgrosso. \u201cThis wiring allows us to stand back from the mortars which is much safer.\u201d
\nWhether in your backyard or at a local display, treating fireworks with caution will make this 4th of July a pleasant memory.
\nDid you know?\u2026 That Pennsylvania is one of the strictest states regarding
\nfireworks control laws? That most states allow some or all types of consumer fireworks to be used. That Pennsylvania is one of only 7 states that permit just sparklers and other novelty items to be purchased.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Independence Day celebrations would seem incomplete without a traditional fireworks display. However, fireworks are true to their name, as they emit a flame or spark to produce the beautiful colors that we all like to watch. As fire chief, Bob Lynn from the Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Company, advises, \u201cUsing general common sense will […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46338","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-local-news-in-the-tyrone-pennsylvania-area"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46338","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=46338"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46338\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=46338"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=46338"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tyronepa.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=46338"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}