FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—On July 4, residents and visitors celebrate America's Independence Day with family and friends. The Florida Department of Health reminds everyone to be responsible if using fireworks at their events.

"As you plan for summer celebrations, think about safety before, during and after you use fireworks," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Preparation can prevent tragedies from injury and fire."

The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following safety tips when using fireworks:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks;
• Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions of fireworks before igniting;
• Have a responsible adult supervise all firework activities;
• Do not mix alcohol and fireworks;
• Light one firework at a time and then move away quickly;
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area;
• Never relight a "dud" firework;
• Always have a bucket of water and water hose nearby;
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them out of metal or glass containers;
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks; and
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from buildings or combustible materials until the next day.

For more safety tips and resources regarding firework safety, please visit the National Council on Fireworks Safety's website at fireworksafety.com.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.