DPS Offers Tips For Fourth Of July Firework Safety

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Fourth of July is just a week away, and with the holiday comes barbecues, yard games and fireworks.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is reminding people to exercise caution when around fireworks this Fourth of July.

According to DPS, 71 people suffered injuries resulting from fireworks in 2014. Fifteen of those injuries were to children age nine and younger.

While sparklers seems like a safer option, even those can burn up to 1,200 degrees and can be dangerous.

For those that do purchase their own fireworks, DPS offered a few safety tips:

Light fireworks in an open area away from houses and other buildings
Don't let kids run through the area where fireworks are being used
Do not try to re-light a dud
Have a bucket of water nearby
Drop spent sparkers into the bucket, not on the grass
Use a long lighter meant for a gas grill so to stay as far away from the firework as possible

They also are reminding people that if it flies or explodes, it is illegal in Minnesota.

DPS said the best way to stay safe is to enjoy a public fireworks display.