Whether you recognize community, family, or history, the 4th of July can be a wonderful time. However, some people choose to celebrate in ways that can lead to personal injury, lost pets, or damaged possessions. In the worst-case scenario, Independence Day festivities could result in lawsuits. Fortunately, many of these risks are minimized by following some commonsense safety guidelines.
Remember Firework Safety on July 4th
Fireworks pose one of the biggest risks when celebrating with friends and family. They are handheld explosives, after all. From lighting them to wayward ash, there’s a real risk of unintended burns or fire, and those risks may not be as obvious as you think.
- Only purchase and light fireworks that are legal in your municipality. “Brown bag” fireworks are typically not authorized and are less safe.
- Do not light fireworks while under the influence.
- Keep a water bucket or garden hose nearby in case of fire. Consider wetting the area where you’re lighting fireworks beforehand to minimize fire risk.
- Note the wind speed and direction and change your location or the direction of fireworks to adjust where ash will fall to prevent causing fires on nearby buildings, trees, or other structures. Remember that falling debris can harm eyes, making it among the leading causes of personal injury on Independence Day. Cancel fireworks if the wind is too strong or shifts quickly.
- Light fireworks away from leaves or other flammable materials. Cancel the show if your municipality is experiencing extremely dry conditions and has banned fires.
- Light one firework at a time.
- Keep lit fireworks away from unlit fireworks.
- Consider wearing earplugs when watching or setting off fireworks. Loud sounds can cause temporary damage to your eardrum and permanent damage without you even realizing it. Children’s ears are especially sensitive, and the loud noises from fireworks can be scary.
- Spectators should sit at least 500 feet away from the fireworks staging area, whether you’re celebrating at home or at a public event.
- Choose one person to handle and light off fireworks to prevent confusion and minimize the risk of accidents.
- Prevent children and pets from coming into contact with fireworks and matches or lighters.
- Always supervise children when using “safe” fireworks. Remember that even sparklers burn at about 2,000 degreesand can cause serious burns. Teach children not to point sparklers at people or faces. If you’re unsure whether your child is old enough to use sparklers, hold their hand as they “draw” with them in the sky.
- Store fireworks in a dry place with moderate temperatures to avoid accidental combustion or fires. Do not store them in cardboard boxes or plastic bags.
Remembering these guidelines ensures you can see everyone’s face light up from a gorgeous firework show, and that no one faces preventable lawsuits.
