"Fireworks are a fun way to light up a summer night," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley. "However, injuries are all too common, and can often be avoided when you follow basic fire safety tips like lighting only one firework at a time."

If you decide to have your own firework display, make sure that fireworks are legal in Michigan. Do not purchase or use unlabeled fireworks, and never experiment or make your own fireworks. Once purchased, store them in a cool, dry place and check each package for special storage instructions.

Other firework safety tips include:

• Designating a cleared, outdoor area for lighting the fireworks with a minimum distance of 15 feet from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
• Connecting a garden hose to a tap and have it on hand at all times. It is also a good idea to keep a few buckets of water and wet towels handy to extinguish small fires. If you have mulched gardens, consider running the sprinkler system.
• Reading and following the directions on the fireworks label.
• Wearing eye protection when handling them, and never carry them in your pocket.
  

NEVER:

• Have any part of your body over the fireworks
• Set them off in a container
• Throw or point them at other people
• Re-light a "dud" firework (instead, wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
• Give fireworks to children. An adult should always be present to supervise children at all times.

Finally, wet down all fireworks debris during and after the celebration.  Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before putting them in a garbage can.

As fireworks season begins it is important to know that if you are using regulated devices you must contact the local unit of government where the proposed display will be conducted and obtain a permit.  To find out more information regarding the fireworks permit process, visit the Bureau of Fire Services web at: http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-28077_42271_42321---,00.html or contact the Bureau at 517-241-8847.

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