Keven Moore on Insurance: Fireworks safety advice; they’re a tradition, but very dangerous

• Follow all of the directions on the fireworks’ packaging.

• Supervise children and adolescents while lighting fireworks.

• Keep water and fire extinguishers nearby when lighting fireworks.

• Don’t store fireworks in bulk (in case they explode before you want them to), and set them off one at a time.

• Buy fireworks only from a licensed store or stands — not from a seller’s home or car.

• Never use homemade fireworks. Ever.

• Light fireworks in a clear area that’s free of flammable materials like dried leaves or grass.

• If your yard is bone dry from a drought you may want to water your grass earlier in the day before lighting fireworks.

• If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it. Instead, submerge it in water later.

• A sparkler burns at a temperature over 15 times the boiling point of water. Three sparklers burning together generate the same heat as a blowtorch. Remember sparklers alone cause more injuries than any other type of firework.

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket.

• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

• Store fireworks in a closed container. Plastic tubs with lids are perfect for keeping fireworks dry.

• When storing fireworks place away from other materials that could catch fire easily. When storing fireworks, keep exits clear, away from doorways so if a fire does start exits are open and accessible.

• Store fireworks in a secure room or building. You should be able to lock the building or room to prevent children or unwanted intruders from getting to the fireworks.