Skip to main content

5 useful tips to keep your family safe this Fourth of July

Fireworks have long been a part of Fourth of July celebrations. While it is best to leave fireworks shows to the professionals, neighborhoods across the nation will be setting off fireworks in backyards and streets on Independence Day and the days leading up to and after the Fourth of July this summer. That’s why it’s so important to take Fourth of July safety into account. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 180 people make a visit to hospital emergency rooms in the days and weeks surrounding the July 4 holiday. Over 50 percent of the reported fireworks injuries are burns with 15 percent impacting eyes. In 2019, more than 7,000 people took a trip to the hospital because of fireworks from June 21 through July 21. People under the age of 20 typically account for half of firework-related injuries. So, how can you keep your family safe this Independence Day?

Woman lighting a sparkler on Fourth of July
Kristen Prahl/Shutterstock

Fourth of July safety

Watch a professional display

Most communities across the nation hold professional fireworks either on July 4 or in the days leading up to the Independence Day holiday. The safest option for families is to head to a fireworks show in your area. It’s a fun, family-friendly, and safe way to cap off a Fourth of July celebration.

Firework safety tips

Know local firework laws

If you must purchase fireworks, know the law where you live. Forty-six out of 50 states in the US allow consumers to purchase fireworks in some form. Only Massachusetts considers consumer fireworks illegal and allows only fireworks shows put on by professionals. Ohio, Vermont and Illinois have extremely strict firework laws and only allow the sale of certain novelty fireworks. Others have banned aerial fireworks. Before you purchase fireworks, it’s important to know what fireworks are allowed in your state to avoid issues with the police.

Leave fireworks to the adults

If you’re capping off your Fourth of July celebration with a backyard fireworks display, do not allow children, tweens or teens to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers may be pretty, but this novelty firework runs hot. Sparklers temps can be as high as 1200 plus degrees Fahrenheit. A sparkler gets hot enough to melt some metals, which means it’s not something kids should have their hands on.

Avoid knockoff fireworks

Fireworks are dangerous enough in the hand of novices, and purchasing fireworks not made by a reputable manufacturer is a recipe for disaster. Be aware of the types of fireworks you’re purchasing. It’s a good idea to do a bit of googling before buying fireworks to check the quality. Never buy fireworks where the packaging is damaged, and don’t purchase fireworks covered in brown paper bags. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission warns this is a telltale sign the fireworks were constructed for professional displays and are a major hazard for small backyard use.

Don’t re-light a firework

Fireworks fizzle. Even fireworks in professional displays sometimes don’t go off. Never attempt to pick up a firework that did not ignite or go off properly, and do not attempt to re-light a defunct firework. Doing so could end up in a trip to the emergency room or worse.

Have water nearby

If you’re having a backyard fireworks show or using fireworks, having a garden hose or a large bucket of water is a must-do. Spent fireworks should be wet with water when they have fizzled out. Hot fireworks should not be thrown into the trash. Doing so could potentially cause a fire. Lots of things can go wrong when setting off a firework, and an unexpected fire is one of them. Having a garden hose close at hand can prevent a small fire from getting out of hand while waiting for the fire department. Remember, all professional firework displays have the local fire department close at hand if needed.

Fourth of July fireworks watched by a girl
Shannon Shepard/Shutterstock

Other firework safety tips

A lot can go wrong when professionals are setting off fireworks, even if last year there weren’t any issues and everyone’s fingers stayed intact. Keep these extra Fourth of July safety tips in mind to prevent a disastrous Independence Day.

  • Watch fireworks from a safe distance
  • Never aim fireworks at people
  • Don’t stand over a firework while lighting it. Hold it away from you.
  • Light fireworks one at a time
  • Don’t carry a firework inside a pocket
  • Don’t attempt to light a firework in a bucket or glass jar

The Fourth of July is super fun, and fireworks are an amazing way to end an Independence Day celebration. As cool as fireworks are, the devices are also extremely dangerous and are the reason for injuries and tragedies every summer. It’s best to leave a fireworks display to the pros, but if you are going to set off fireworks this Fourth of July, it’s important to be safe. Know the firework laws in your state before buying any fireworks. Keep these firework safety tips in mind to ensure everyone has an enjoyable Fourth of July without any injuries or worse.

Editors' Recommendations

Dawn Miller
Dawn Miller began her professional life as an elementary school teacher before returning to her first love, writing. In…
6 fun St. Patrick’s Day activities to do with your kids this year – from crafting to cooking
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these activities and enjoy the Irish holiday
Toddler wearing shamrock glasses and hat

It's that time of year when we're all a little bit Irish! What's more fun than breaking out the shamrocks and the green outfits as we keep our eyes peeled for leprechauns and their pots of gold at the end of the rainbow?

With St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to celebrate with your wee ones as you commemorate the lively Irish culture and the hero who, according to legend, drove the snakes from the Emerald Isle. Now that you've got everyone decked out to celebrate the holiday, it's time to plan some fun activities, too.

Read more
5 fantastic football movies to watch with the family Super Bowl weekend
Family football movies to prep for Super Bowl Sunday
Family watching movie Super Bowl weekend

Football movies for family night definitely score a touchdown on Super Bowl weekend. The big game doesn't kick off until Sunday evening, and football movies are a fabulous way to get excited for the Super Bowl. Even if some family members aren't into the gridiron, football movies are always inspiring and usually require a box of tissues.

It's also the perfect time to preview those Super Bowl snacks you have planned. So, what are the best family football movies? We've got the top picks for your Super Bowl pregame movie kickoff.

Read more
7 fun ways to entertain kids during the Super Bowl so you can enjoy the game
Prepare these activities to keep the kids busy during the Super Bowl
Family watches a football game on TV together

It's that time of year again! The final Sunday football game. The Super Bowl is about to happen, and you're getting your fan gear ready, making the snacks, and getting hyped up for the kickoff. If you plan to enjoy the Super Bowl and you have children, fear not! There are plenty of ways to watch the Super Bowl and entertain the kids at the same time. We're here to help you focus on enjoying the game with these activities that will keep the little ones busy.

Let the kids get crafty
Coloring
There are plenty of coloring pages out there on the internet to print out. Set up a coloring station for the little ones! Print out football-themed coloring pages and set out crayons for them to use. What's even more adorable is to set out the colors of the two teams facing off against each other.

Read more