CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Local and state officials want Tennessee residents to be safe this weekend while celebrating Independence Day.
In the Clarksville city limits, fireworks are restricted to certain times and areas.
The following safety tips are offered for handling fireworks:
● Know your fireworks, read the labels and understand the specifications before igniting.
● A responsible adult, 18 or older, should oversee and ensure the proper use of fireworks.
● Wear proper safety gear, such as safety glasses and gloves, when shooting fireworks.
● Light one firework at a time and then move away.
● Ensure fireworks are used outdoors in a clear area, away from building, cars, or other potential hazards. Also, light near dry grass. Keep away from brush, leaves, and flammable substances.
● Have a bucket of water, charged water hose, or extinguisher nearby.
● Don’t relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak in a bucket of water.
● Fireworks should not be carried in your pocket or shot into metal or glass containers.
● Spent fireworks can still be a fire hazard so wet them down and place in a metal trash can away from a building or combustible materials.
● Be extra careful with sparklers, they can reach temperatures over 1200 degrees.
GRILLING SAFETY
Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:
1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.