Celebrate the Fourth: Live to see the Fifth

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