State fire marshal provides tips for a safe 4th of July

KSTP
[Photo: Courtesy of Mark Lundeen]

State Fire Marshal Jim Smith announced some tips as the Fourth of July approaches. 

The Department of Public Safety's website encourages those celebrating to use chalk and brighten up some driveways and sidewalks with firework art. The reason behind the suggestion is to decrease the risk of someone getting injured from fireworks to ease the burden on hospital emergency rooms due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

You can share your chalk art using the hashtag #ChalkOneUpForSafety on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

For those who still plan to use fireworks or will participate in a neighborhood show, the State Fire Marshal has provided the following tips:

  • Use fireworks responsibly, especially around children. Kids mimic adult behavior.
  • If it flies or explodes, it's illegal in Minnesota.
  • Fireworks can be disruptive to neighbors and frightening to pets.
  • Use fireworks outdoors, far from property and crowds. 
  • Don't let children or animals run through the area where fireworks are being set off. They could step on a spent firework that is still hot.
  • Sparklers can cause serious burns. Consider glow sticks or light-up wands as an alternative. 
  • Use a long lighter meant for a gas grill to light fireworks.
  • Do not try to re-light a dud. Ever.
  • Soak used fireworks in water and leave them outside overnight before discarding into trash containers.

For more safety tips, click here.  

KSTP's 4th of July guide