Firework safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

• Make sure consumer fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. 
• Never use or make professional-grade fireworks.
• Do not buy or use fireworks that are packaged in brown paper; this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and are not for consumer use.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person or occupied area.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them quickly.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device to prevent a trash fire.

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