sparklers

[LORITHECHICK]

I just read something on another forum, it was about sparkler safety, I thought I would share.
Place the sparkler in a raw potato before lighting it, easier and safer for little ones.
I thought it was a pretty cool idea...

[Zoneey]

That depends on the state. Ours considers sparklers fireworks and it is against the law to have them!

[Cpogie]

Same here in California, there are few cities where you can have them, but more where they are not allowed, due to fire danger and safety, we cannot have any type of fireworks here in Big Bear Lake, Ca

[rdawnh]

we can have them in Sacramento but I dont let the kids have them. Something about handing my child a stick on fire that just doesnt seem right me. If we get them in a pack we just stick them int he crackes of the side walk and light them and watch from a distance like all the rest.

[LORITHECHICK]

We always had sparklers, it's all about teaching the kids the right way and wrong way to hold them. This idea seemed better and for those out there who do allow sparklers, enjoy the tip, it was free...

[LadyPyro]

we can have them in Sacramento but I dont let the kids have them. Something about handing my child a stick on fire that just doesnt seem right me. If we get them in a pack we just stick them int he crackes of the side walk and light them and watch from a distance like all the rest.

Actually, the burning tip of the sparkler is hotter than a kitchen match as it's igniting. They shouldn't be used by young people except under very careful supervision. Sticking them into the sidewalk cracks is a pretty good idea. We stick bunches of them into a sandpile and light them with a broad sweep of a propane torch. Pretty & impressive. Oh, and never leave the hot metal sticks laying around on the ground. Somebody might step on them & either get a burn or a poke. Kinda sucks all the fun out of the fireworks if somebody gets hurt... :eek:

[LORITHECHICK]

We were always taught to put them in an old coffee can when they (the sparklers) were burned out....another tip.

[LadyPyro]

Here's (http://www.fireworksafety.com/home.htm) a great place for safety tips on using all kinds of consumer fireworks. I don't remember if this particular hint is posted, but at our annual pyrotechnician guild convention no person goes near the shooting areas without safety glasses. Get the type of safety glasses that shield all the way around your eyes so you don't run the chance of getting sparks, dust, ash etc in them. Fireworks debris has sulfur on it, because it's a major ingredient. When sulfur comes in contact with moisture, such as the tears that keep your eyes moist, it forms sulfuric acid. It burns. It's why onions make you cry. Ok, I'll get off my safety soapbox now. :D

[Zoneey]

Thanks for the extra safety tips. I can't remember sparklers except when I was verrrry young.I remember my dad almost burned the neighbors house down with some kind of firecracker. Since our state doesn't alow firecrackers and with good reason we will lose too many forests. We also go to the shows, but bring along glow sticks.

[TAMMY293115]

I live in Central New York, sparklers and pop its are not allowed any longer. They even stop selling those little black drop that when you put the match to them they formed a snake. I can remember when we were kids how much fun they were as long as we were careful and listen to mom and dad. It is kind of a shame that kids today can not have the fun we did.