4th of July Safety Tips: Your Guide to a Safe and Enjoyable Celebration

In America, parades, barbecues and fireworks displays are all synonymous with Fourth of July fun. Would it really feel like the Fourth of July without a good fireworks show? But just as important as the fun are the Fourth of July safety tips.  

Fireworks hold a high risk for serious burns, fires and eye injuries. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that in 2023, 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms in the US for fireworks injuries. Eight people died, and 42 percent of the injuries were burns. Furthermore, 66 percent of the injuries happened in the weeks before and after the 4th of July holiday. It’s obvious that having a safe 4th of July is everyone’s responsibility and that observing 4th of July safety tips will go a long way toward a much happier holiday and summer. 

If you’re not going to a professional show and are planning to ignite fireworks in your own backyard, it’s important to plan ahead and take extra safety precautions to avoid hazards. 

10 Firework Safety Tips to Stay Safe 

These 10 firework safety tips can help prevent you, your family members and your friends from getting hurt — and make sure the holiday can be all about fun. 

1. Purchase Fireworks Legally 

Legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer’s name and directions. To stay safe, only light fireworks that meet legal standards, as illegal fireworks are often unlabeled. Fireworks that are packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays. Be responsible and avoid buying these. (And make sure that fireworks are legal in your state before you start setting them off.) 

2. Never Let Children Handle Fireworks 

The CPSC’s data found that the two largest groups of people affected by fireworks injuries were adolescents and children. So, it is important to keep young children under adult supervision at all times when fireworks are in use. 

Furthermore, though sparklers may not seem very dangerous, they burn extremely hot. In fact, sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees and easily ignite clothing, and they cause nearly as many injuries as firecrackers do. 

Teach children firework safety early and keep a close eye on children at events where people are lighting fireworks. If you’re looking for a fun alternative to sparklers, try glow sticks instead. 

3. Never Re-light a “Dud” Firework 

It’s a bummer when a firework doesn’t go off, but don’t re-light it or you risk injury. Instead, you’ll need to dispose of it, but do it safely: Wait at least 20 minutes before handling it at all. Then, douse it with plenty of water and let it sit for another 20 minutes. Next, submerge the firework in water and allow it to soak. After the firework is thoroughly soaked, it is safe to dispose of it. 

4. Keep Pets Inside 

Fireworks produce loud noises that can scare your pets, so they probably won’t appreciate being around them. If you have a pet that escapes or harms itself or others if frightened, put the pet in a secure, safe place in the house. They’ll be happier, and you will, too. 

5. Have Fire Extinguishers or Hoses Ready 

Have a hose, buckets of water or a fire extinguisher nearby when you’re playing with fire. When using fireworks, assign one person the duty of operating the water or fire extinguisher in case something goes wrong.  

6. Use Fireworks in Clear, Open Areas 

Part of practicing firework safety is making sure the area you’re using to ignite fireworks is clear of any obstructions. Furthermore, avoid using fireworks in areas of dry, potentially flammable grass, wood or debris. 

Of course, monitor your state’s wildfire warnings to ensure there isn’t a fire weather watch in effect. Also, only light fireworks when there’s no fire risk and enough safe distance between people and structures. These types of warnings occur during extended periods of dry weather and higher-than-average wind speeds — and you don’t want to be the cause of a destructive fire that can ruin lives and homes. No fireworks display is worth that damage. 

7. Store Fireworks Safely 

Knowing how to store fireworks is an important part of fireworks safety. If possible, use them soon after purchase to avoid storing them for extended periods of time. If you do need to store fireworks, keep them in a non-flammable container in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or closet. 

Fireworks should never be stored in a location where they can be unintentionally ignited, such as a heat source like a water heater or propane tank. Fireworks can degrade when exposed to moisture, making them unsafe to use. And be sure that stored fireworks are secured so they can’t be accessed by curious children. 

8. Properly Dispose of Used Fireworks 

Once a firework is used, it should be allowed to rest for 15–20 minutes. Then, as you would with a “dud” firework, place the used firework in a bucket of water to soak thoroughly. After the rest period and soak period, they can be safely disposed of in a regular trash can. 

9. Keep Your Distance 

After you’ve lit a firework, it’s important to stand a safe distance away. One of the biggest hazards of fireworks is their potential to burn your hands, face and eyes. Do not lean over fireworks or stand too close. This is especially important because fireworks can sometimes malfunction, resulting in a delayed launch. 

It’s a good idea to stay 35 feet away from all fountain-style fireworks or anything that emits sparks. For aerial fireworks, like mortars or bottle rockets, a distance of 150 yards is generally recommended. 

10. Leave It to the Professionals 

The best fireworks safety tip? Attend a professional firework show instead of putting one on yourself. Public firework shows are impressive, and they use pyrotechnics that you can’t buy in stores. Professionals also know exactly what fireworks safety tips to observe and what needs to happen to keep people safe. Plus, you can spend time with your community, enjoy fireworks and stay safe without added risk. 

Don’t Play With Fire

Keep your holiday celebrations safe and protect your home year-round, too. Reach out to Farm Bureau to ensure you’re covered, no matter the season.