By Mark Memmott

As it does every year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission is trying to keep people from hurting themselves over the 4th of July holiday by demonstrating the dangers of fireworks. Here's "raw video" from their latest public service clips:

And here's a "clip and save" list of the CPSC's safety tips:

-- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
-- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
-- Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.
-- Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that there are many injuries from sparklers to children under five. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
-- Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
-- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
-- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
-- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
-- Light one item at a time, then move back quickly.
-- Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
-- After fireworks fully complete their functioning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

Stay safe, everyone. We want you back here Monday.

categories: National News

9:50 - July 2, 2009

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