As we approach the Fourth of July and Canada Day, the whole of North America begins to think about fireworks.
Professional pyrotechnicians will light skies everywhere with spectacular color and brilliance. We have only to safely watch and enjoy.
Private lighting of fireworks is another matter, often causing serious injuries to children and adults.
As surely as tulips bloom in the springtime, fireworks vendors appear with attractive wares for all to examine and buy. Many are legal and theoretically harmless, but many are capable of doing serious damage to both people and property.
The first step in presenting a "safe" backyard fireworks display comes with selecting what will be used. Always select only those items that are legal in your locality.
Then remember these safety tips from the National Safety Council:
* Children should always be supervised when using matches or lighters to ignite even the safest materials (none are perfectly safe). Always retrieve matches and lighters from kids when they are finished.
* Select the site of your display with care. Hard-surface driveways or green (not brown) lawns work well. There should be adequate space for the display with no combustibles nearby. Observers should be kept at a safe distance.
* One adult should be in charge of igniting, and another should be in charge of observers to assure they are at a distance and away from the fireworks stock. Keep water at hand.
* Never try to relight a "dud". Put water on it so it doesn't smolder and light unexpectedly.
* Never throw a rocket or a firecracker. Never hold one to light it.