Celebrate the Fourth: Live to see the Fifth Published June 29, 2012 By Staff Reports 341st Missile Wing safety MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- The Fourth of July is always a fun time to gather with family and friends to acknowledge the nation's birthday. Fireworks are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday, but they must be used carefully. The following list of tips was taken from the National Council on Fireworks Safety website at http://www.fireworkssafety.org/: · Use fireworks outdoors only. · Obey local laws; if fireworks are not legal in the area, do not use them. · Always have water handy like a hose or bucket. · Only use fireworks as intended. Do not try to alter them or combine them. · Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water. · Use common sense; spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses. · Alcohol and fireworks do not mix; have a "designated shooter." · Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type. · Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in the community. For more information on firework safety, visit the following links: http://www.cpsc.gov/info/fireworks/index.html http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files//PDF/fireworksfactsheet.pdf http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireworks.pdf http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Fireworks/fire_spot.html