Fireworks safety tips for 4th of July holiday

  • Published
  • By 6th Air Mobility Wing Safety Office
  • 6th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Fireworks and celebrations go together and the July 4 holiday is best known for the use of fireworks. However, enjoying fireworks responsibly and legally is the key.

Florida law prohibits the use of fireworks that explode or are self propelled. These include, but are not limited to, firecrackers, M-80s, torpedoes, bottle/sky rockets, mortars, roman candles, and cherry bombs. All fireworks are prohibited on MacDill.

MCDI 32-106 paragraph 76 states: "Fireworks of any description will not be used within the confines of MacDill except for holiday purposes and only upon approval of the base fire chief. Only licensed and bonded personnel will handle the fireworks." Furthermore, AFMAN 91-201 states: "No active duty military person will participate in any contractor related firework displays on base."

If you are going to use fireworks at home off base, remember to wear protective gloves, eye protection, and non-flammable clothing. Do not allow young children to use fireworks, and provide adult supervision for all fireworks activity.

Enjoy the 4th of July, but do so safely. For more on fireworks safety go to http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm and follow these fireworks safety tips: 

· Never allow children to play with or ignite fire¬works 

· Read and follow all warnings and instructions 

· Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks 

· Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from houses, dry leaves, and flammable materials 

· Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned 

· Keep a bucket of water in case of a malfunction or fire