Video:Children and Fireworks Safety

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Transcript:Children and Fireworks Safety

Hi, I'm Kathy Moore for About.com Parenting. Fireworks are fascinating to children, though some may not like their loud booms. This program offers some simple fireworks safety tips to help the whole family stay safe and have fun.

Are Fireworks Safe for Kids?

Many fireworks that are thought to be safe for kids, like sparklers, can still reach temperatures about 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. Anyone holding or standing near sparklers can easily be burned. The bottom line is, there are no safe fireworks for kids to handle.

Firework Safety Tips

If fireworks are legal where you live and you decide to set them off on your own, follow these simple safety tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Do not allow children to play with or light fireworks. This is an adult only task.
• Keep a bucket of water near where fireworks are being used, in case of a fire or mishap.
• An adult should read all the warnings and instructions before using any fireworks.
• Fireworks should be lit on a smooth, flat surface away from the house or any other building, and not near dry leaves or other flammable materials.
• All people should be out of range before lighting fireworks.
• If a firework does not ignite, do not try to relight it. Submerge it in water, then properly dispose of it.

The best advice is to take your kids to see a professional fireworks display rather than using fireworks at home. The show is sure to be safer and much more spectacular. Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the Web at parenting.about.com.