You have to be 21 to buy sparklers at Wal-Mart!?

Hey everyone, I hope that you are all fantastic this evening. Well today I decided to stop by Wal-Mart to buy some sparklers to celebrate my patriotism for this great country, but no way jose, they wouldn't let me because I wasn't 21. I thought this was a little ridiculous because I am 18. Like hellooooo I can go buy cigarettes and kill people with second hand smoke, but I can't hold a sparkler. I don't know but I was very upset when I left that store. No worries though because I do have good news! After I left Wally World, I went across the street to Target (good ol' awesome Target) and got myself a bunch of sparklers (same exact ones they sold at Walmart), which I was able to without questions asked. :) 

Hooray!!! So now it's time to celebrate!! :))

So just to be safe here is a little tib bit I found on safety prevention with sparklers.

Fireworks Safety During July 4th Celebrations

For many in New Hampshire, fireworks have become a way of life during the holidays – beautifully colored sparks flying through the air in concert with loud rumbling explosions. As exciting as this may seem, people often forget that they are playing with dangerous chemicals and combustibles that can destroy property and injure people. These deceptively simple objects explode, throw hot sparks through the air, and can often reach temperatures hotter than 1,200 degrees.
According to the NFPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2008 fireworks were the cause of 30,100 fires, 7,000 injuries, and 7 deaths. From June 20th to July 20th, 2008, devices such as sparklers, fountains, roman candles and novelties accounted for 40% of injuries; another 18% were caused by firecrackers. Shawn Murray, President NH Association of Fire Chiefs warns firecrackers due to their high injury rates are illegal in New Hampshire. Bill Degnan NH State Fire Marshal advises if you plan to shoot your own fireworks make sure they are legal to use in your community and pay particular attention to safety tips to help reduce the chances of a destructive fire and/or injury:

• Only purchase fireworks from a licensed dealer that sells New Hampshire permissible fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging, as this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional shows and could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Parents often don't realize that sparklers have caused more injuries to children under age five than any other type of firework. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework device when lighting the fuse. Move back a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak with water and throw them away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one item at a time, and then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Avoid the combination of alcohol, drugs and fireworks.

Shawn Murray, President NH Association of Fire Chiefs suggests "The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a public fireworks display,". Enjoy the July 4th celebration safely and remember to practice fire safety every day said Degnan and Murray. Plan your escape, install and maintain smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers. The life they save may be yours!