Before you light up your fireworks this 4th of July holiday, you should check your labels. Some popular fireworks sold are being recalled due to reports they unexpectedly explode shortly after being lit.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued the recall Tuesday for TNT Red, White, & Blue Smoke fireworks. The TNT logo, “Red, White & Blue Smoke” and UPC number 027736036561 appear on the packaging.
More than 36,000 of the recalled units were sold at Albertsons, Kroger, Meijer, Target, Wal-Mart and other retailers in Illinois, Ohio, Vermont and Wisconsin from May through June of this year.
American Promotional Events says it’s received three separate reports of people suffering burns using the product.
Consumers wanting a refund may contact American Promotional Events at 800-243-1189 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday; email at [email protected].
According to the National Council on Fireworks Safety, “dud” fireworks can also pose a hazard and should be submerged in water after waiting for 20 minutes. If a firework does not ignite correctly, consumers should not try to ignite it.
Disposal of spent fireworks is also important to help mitigate the risk of fire hazards.
Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper. This is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
Once all used fireworks have been soaked in water, their remains should be placed in a nonflammable trash can, outside and several feet away from a home, deck or other flammable structures.