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By Julie Heckman

American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation

The American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation (APSEF) has launched its nationwide “Celebrate Safely: Responsible Fireworks Use” campaign, and is partnering with national retailer, Fireworks Supermarket, to promote the emphasis and share tips for celebrating Independence Day without injury or incident on July 4.

This year’s key safety campaign encourages consumers to “be safe,” which means following all instructions on the product and keeping spectators a safe distance away from where the fireworks are being lit. Consumers also need to “act responsibly,” by being considerate of their neighbors, securing their pets, and properly disposing of their used product in a metal trash can away from structures, once it has either been soaked in water or is cool to the touch. Finally, consumers must “stay legal,” by only using consumer-grade fireworks purchased from a licensed dealer only when and where permitted.

“Acting responsibly, being safe, and staying legal are fundamental principles we advocate for when using fireworks,” said Gabrielle Martin, Sr. Director of Marketing.  “We want everyone to celebrate the holiday using fireworks without the potential for an unintended injury or incident and reduce fireworks misuse.”

To reinforce these safety tips, the Foundation’s “Celebrate Safely” campaign includes a series of educational videos and social media posts that will be promoted on social media platforms leading up to the holiday. The Foundation also provides additional safe and responsible use tips at https://www.CelebrateSafely.org/safety-tips. 

The safety videos are aimed at educating the public about the safe use of legal consumer fireworks, providing tips on selecting the right location, sober use, audience safety, and purchasing legal fireworks. to view the educational safety videos at: https://www.celebratesafely.org/fireworks-safety-videos. 

Additional safety tips for Fourth of July fireworks celebrations include:

* Purchase from reliable sellers: Ensure fireworks are obtained from reputable, licensed fireworks retailers, preferably in the jurisdiction where they will be used. 

* Read and follow the Instructions: Thoroughly review and adhere to all warnings and instructions included on the packaging.

* Be safe: Pick a location with a flat surface free of flammable grass, debris, and/or structures, and keep spectators at a safe distance. 

* Stay sober: Remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix, have a sober and responsible adult handle the fireworks.

* Soak before you dispose: Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and placing them in a metal trash can away from structures.

Fireworks Supermarket representatives emphasized their commitment to safe and responsible fireworks use, stating: “By joining forces with the APSEF, we are actively promoting a culture of safety and staying legal during Fourth of July celebrations. We urge everyone to follow these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience without the potential of getting cited for using illegal fireworks.”

The American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation is funding the nationwide consumer safety campaign to empower individuals with the right information and resources, helping keep consumers legal and safe and reduce fireworks-related incidents.

The APSEF, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, focuses on creating fireworks safety and education programs for youth. The “Celebrate Safely” initiative aims to instill a proper understanding of consumer fireworks usage, discourage misuse, and decrease fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. Learn more at CelebrateSafely.org. 

Julie Heckman is the Executive Director for the American Pyrotechnics and Education Foundation.