CONCORD, NH — On the Fourth of July, it's important to remember that safety should be a top priority when celebrating with fireworks. New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey and Chief David Emanuel, president of the NH Association of Fire Chiefs, are urging residents to celebrate responsibly and with extreme vigilance.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display sponsored by your local community or other organization. These displays are set up and performed by trained, licensed professional pyrotechnicians and inspected by public safety officials to ensure they meet all safety standards.

Safe handling of private fireworks

If you plan to celebrate with legal fireworks (that is, legal consumer devices sold in licensed retail stores in New Hampshire), follow these fireworks safety guidelines to protect yourself, your family and your property:

Check local regulations: Contact your local fire department to make sure fireworks are allowed in your community and to learn about any special restrictions or guidelines.

Set limits and supervise: Only adults 21 and older are allowed to purchase, possess and display fireworks. Make sure fireworks are stored safely and out of the reach of children. Supervision is essential to prevent accidents, as even sparklers can cause serious injury at temperatures over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. For comparison, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, most adults will suffer third-degree burns from exposure to 150-degree water for two seconds.

Follow the three B's

Be prepared:

Only buy as much fireworks as you will use.

Fireworks may only be set off on your property or with the written permission of the property owner.

Have a water hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher ready.

Create a clear, flat area away from flammable materials.

Check the forest fire forecast daily and avoid setting off fireworks in dry, windy weather.

Be sure:

Adults should wear eye and hearing protection and gloves.

Please follow the safety instructions on each firework display.

Only light one device at a time and move away quickly.

Keep spectators at a safe distance.

Only use fireworks outdoors in open areas and away from buildings, dry grass or other flammable materials.

Be considerate of your neighbors, pets and the environment.

To be responsible:

After your fireworks display, clear away all rubbish.

If a firework does not ignite, wait at least 15 minutes before handling it, then place it in water.

Secure unused fireworks, matches and lighters to prevent children from accessing them.

State legal requirements

State law requires anyone who purchases, possesses or uses fireworks to be at least 21 years old, and all local ordinances and restrictions must be followed. Report illegal use of fireworks by calling your local police department's emergency dispatch center. Call 9-1-1 only in an emergency.

Class C fireworks and fireworks

Class C, fireworks for private consumers: Legal, except those prohibited under RSA 160-B:16. These can be purchased at licensed retail stores throughout the state. Legal fireworks are also called consumer fireworks and the terms are used interchangeably.

Show fireworks: Used only by licensed professionals (pyrotechnicians) and includes air grenades, cakes, candles, and other display items that exceed fireworks limits. Retail stores that do not have a license to sell New Hampshire-approved fireworks may sell unregulated fireworks classified as novelties, such as sparklers, party poppers, snakes, and snappers.

Restrictions on the use of fireworks

The use of fireworks is only permitted on private property owned by you or with the written permission of the property owner or in his presence, unless there is a local ban on fireworks.

Places where the use of fireworks for personal use is prohibited include beaches, parks, campgrounds, and state and federal forest lands in New Hampshire.

The use of fireworks outside the prohibited zone may result in civil liability for damage to other people's property.

The use of unmanned, free-floating sky lanterns and similar open-flame devices is illegal in New Hampshire. Tethered or anchored sky lanterns are permitted.

How to enjoy fireworks safely

Read and follow all directions, warnings and cautions on each individual firework display.

Never allow children to handle, play with and/or light fireworks of any kind.

Do not consume alcohol when handling fireworks.

Be careful when igniting air devices in strong winds.

Always:

Fireworks should be displayed in a clear, open area with no overhead objects.

Maintain a safe distance between buildings and spectators.

Only light one device at a time.

Have a fire-fighting device ready (fire extinguisher, hose or bucket of water).

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place and dispose of them properly.

Never:

Stretch any part of your body over the top of any device.

Attempt to relight, modify or repair a firework that has failed to ignite.

Aim, direct, throw or shoot fireworks at another person.

Fireworks safety: a shared responsibility

“Fireworks are explosive devices and can be dangerous and unpredictable. Let's ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July by taking all necessary precautions when enjoying fireworks,” said Fire Chief Toomey.

Chief Emanuel added, “Fireworks can cause damage from building fires, especially those with rockets that can land on roofs and start fires. We encourage people to watch fireworks in their community rather than take that risk. For information about fireworks in communities, contact your local fire department.”

InDepthNH.org is a nonprofit watchdog news website published by the New Hampshire Center for Public Interest Journalism.