Tips for lighting fireworks safely and legally

 

RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- It’s a tradition for people across the country to light up the night sky on July 4.

With the holiday just days away, experts are reminding people to play with fireworks safely.

Ryley Harlow is the showroom manager at Phantom Fireworks in Racine.

“Our 500-gram repeaters are basically, essentially, a show in a box. You light it one time and it'll have multiple shots fused together,” said Harlow.

While firework sales have more than doubled in the last 30 years, Harlow says when used properly, they’re also safer than ever before.

“The actual consumption of fireworks has increased by two-and-a-half times, but injury has actually gone down by, I think, about 66 percent,” said Harlow.

When you head out to buy your fireworks, make sure you’re prepared with safety supplies, too.

Harlow says they practice the A-B-C-D…W's of firework safety.

“‘C’ being common sense,” said Harlow. “So, no alcohol when you're lighting fireworks. They're really only for the ‘A’ adults. ‘D’ being distance. Make sure you're keeping a safe distance so 150 feet is what we recommend for aerial fireworks.”

As for what fireworks are legal in your hometown, Harlow says many require a permit and some are illegal. You should check with your local municipality to see what the laws are around fireworks.