Tips to keep you safe

Tips courtesy of Hickory Fire Department

Published: July 2, 2009

HICKORY - • Remember all laws and regulations concerning fireworks and obey them. Fireworks such as ground spinners, firecrackers, round spinners, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars are illegal in North Carolina.

• Always read and follow direction and labels.

• Never let children use fireworks.

• Only ignite fireworks outdoors and never carry them in a pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.

• Never shoot or throw fireworks at another person.

• Never use fireworks when under the influence of alcohol.

• If the fireworks malfunction, never re-light them. They can explode without warning.

• Purchase fireworks from a reliable dealer.

• Have water nearby to extinguish fires or cool burns.

• Never shoot fireworks in dry grass areas, near buildings or woods.

• Monitor the area for several hours after use.

• Do not experiment or make your own fireworks.

• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a show conducted by professionals. The Hickory Crawdads will put on their annual post-game fireworks show Saturday night between 9:45 and 10 at LP Frans Stadium. Tickets are $5 to10 in advance. For more information on this show and others in the area, see the full fireworks schedule in the Buzz section of today's paper.

For more information on fireworks and summer safety, call the Hickory Fire Department at 323-7420.