| Chris and Preston Morgan set up a display on Wednesday as they get ready for holiday sales at a stand in east Price. |
Independence Day and Pioneer Day will result in fewer accidents if consumers Carbon County residents take safety precautions when handling fireworks.
To help make the upcoming July 4th and July 24th holidays the safest on record, the licensed Utah Fireworks industry and the state fire marshal’s office offer the following safety rules for people celebrating the 2005 events to consider following.
•Buy fireworks in Utah from licensed fireworks stands or retail outlets.
•Select only safe fireworks that are legal for use in Utah.
•Always read and follow directions carefully.
•Never experiment with fireworks.
•Ignite outdoors away from buildings, dry grasses, trees or bushes.
•Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
•Allow enough room for proper functioning.
•Light one at a time.
•Keep a safe distance away.
•Never give fireworks to small children.
•Store in a cool, dry and safe place out of reach of children.
•Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
•Dispose of fireworks and their leftovers properly.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Utah licensed fireworks industry, most injuries associated with fireworks are principally caused by misuse.
The CPSC advises consumers to purchase fireworks from licensed stands or retail outlets.
Any fireworks used in the state must be legal under Utah law and approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, CPSC and the state fire marshal’s office.
The Utah Fireworks Act allows citizens residing at locations in Carbon County and across the state buy and use legal fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July and Pioneer Day.
But state officials caution Carbon County residents to remember that the possession or discharge of illegal fireworks is a class B misdemeanor category offense.
In addition, people igniting the devices in an irresponsible manner may be liable for damages caused by fireworks.