The National Fireworks Association Reminds Americans to #ShootSafely this Fourth of July




KANSAS CITY, Mo – With consumer fireworks sales across the country far outpacing previous years, the National Fireworks Association (NFA), the nation’s leading advocates for consumer fireworks, released safety tips to help ensure Americans shoot safely while celebrating our nation’s birthday. 

 COVID-19 is playing a big role in how Americans are celebrating Independence Day. After socially distancing for the past few months, Americans are anxious to celebrate. With large professional fireworks displays being canceled around the country and the Fourth of July falling on a weekend, more Americans are choosing to celebrate with consumer fireworks because they can still come together with friends and neighbors while being socially distanced. 

“With our country opening back up, Americans want to celebrate the Fourth of July and express their patriotism with friends and family,” said Steve Houser, President of the National Fireworks Association.  “We want to make sure we reiterate to people that if you do plan to shoot consumer fireworks for your Independence Day celebration at home; that you follow our safety tips and shoot safely.”

The National Fireworks Association has the following recommendations for safely enjoying your Fourth of July celebration at home with consumer fireworks:

·      Know the fireworks rules and what’s permissible in your jurisdiction. 
·      Read, understand and follow the directions on the packaging. 
·      Always have a hose or a bucket of water nearby. 
o   You can dispose of your spent devices in buckets of water, especially sparklers. 
·      Block and brace your fireworks with bricks or cinderblocks. This is an extra measure to prevent your device from possibly tipping over and firing at you, your spectators or property. 
·      Never try to relight a dud. Spray it down with water and set it aside before discarding it. 
·      Under no circumstances should you ever stand over a lit firework or hold one in your hand. Fireworks should never be pointed at anyone. 
·      Always have a designated shooter because alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. 

With more people buying consumer fireworks this year, the National Fireworks Association wants to remind everyone to shoot safely. For more safety tips, the general public is encouraged to visit our website; follow the NFA on Twitter or Facebook.

About NFA: The National Fireworks Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the safety of consumer fireworks and professional display fireworks. Importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of commercial fireworks make up the over 1200 small businesses member companies who operate in the United States. 


# # #

Popular posts from this blog

Are You Ready to Promote Your Fireworks Demo?

Image
Our industry is rooted in the spirit of togetherness. Each year, millions of Americans come together in hundreds of thousands of neighborhoods each year to watch our industry light up  the skies in celebration of everything that makes our country great. Right now, our country is nervous with an uncertainty of when life might return back to normal. Practicing appropriate social distancing means we can’t all come together in our neighborhoods like we could have one year ago. So as we move through the next few weeks, we’re entering a very critical time for our industry - demo season. The NFA would like to help amplify your demo shoot via its social media  platforms and bring some much-needed joy to the millions of Americans who are staying in place at home in the process. Please, email  press@saveourfireworks.com  and let us know when you’re planning your demo shoot. On your own, you can do a few things to help you and advertise in your local community. First, be sure to
Read more

Boston Herald: Boston Pops cancels live July 4 concert, will hold virtual event

Image
From the Boston Herald (May 8, 2020): "But sparks quickly flew over the call. Hours after the announcement, the National Fireworks Association blasted out a statement saying it was 'disappointed in the mayor's decision' and calling on the state's congressional delegation to push back and 'save the Fourth.' 'While we acknowledge the need to remain safe and practice appropriate social distancing, we believe that can be done,' President Steve Houser said. 'Bostonians came out to see the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard which proved to be an uplifting event and we believe the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular would have provided a similar safe experience.' To read the full article, click here
Read more

Media Advisory: National Fireworks Expo Concludes Weeklong Expo Friday Evening with Grand Fireworks Display

Wichita, KS –  This week, the National Fireworks Association is hosting its  2018 Consumer Fireworks Expo  in Wichita at the Hyatt Regency Wichita.  Each day this week, fireworks importers, distributors, manufacturers and sellers of consumer fireworks will have the opportunity to look at the latest innovations of firework devices and attend seminars dealing with firework safety and the business of pyrotechnics. Each night, there is a firework demonstration at Andover Central Park in Andover, KS.  During the convention, members of the NFA are also discussing how to  #SaveOurFireworks  from proposed Federal regulations that could dramatically hamper the consumer fireworks industry.  Friday evening, there will be a concert featuring Tommy Castro and a Grand Firework Display at Andover Central Park and the public is invited.  The cost to attend is $5 and tickets can be purchased prior to the event at Andover City Hall. Those wishing to purchase tickets at the event can do
Read more