MEDIA RELEASE - Tips offered for Responsible New Year's Celebrations

​                                                                                                                                                        
From: State Fire Marshal’s Office
1207 Quarrier St.
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304 558 2191
Fax: 304 558 2537

 

Contact: Courtney Rosemond
Public Information Specialist
(304) 558-2191 ext. 53205
Courtney.A.Rosemond@wv.gov

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The start of the New Year is an exciting time, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents to be responsible when ringing in 2017 with fireworks.

With the legalization of consumer fireworks in West Virginia this year, we want residents to enjoy these displays in a safe manner. Each New Year’s Eve, people are injured while using consumer fireworks – most often children and teens.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers the following firework safety tips for New Year’s and beyond:
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Know your fireworks. Read the warning labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Have a designated shooter organize and shoot your family show.
• Parents and caretakers must closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
• Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.
• Never attempt to alter or modify consumer fireworks and use them only in the manner in which they were intended.