Fireworks are a long-held tradition of the Fourth of July along with cookouts and parades. So it’s natural for everyone to want to participate in this fun and colorful part of summer! However, as easy-to-use as they seem, fireworks can carry some pretty heavy risks. Rather than avoiding fireworks altogether to stay safe, catch up on these safety tips to have a healthy and enjoyable Fourth of July this year!
Location Restrictions
Some areas of Utah restrict the use of fireworks, especially depending on the year. The summer heat dries out Utah’s environment, creating a dangerous situation for fireworks. In areas where dry brush grows close to houses, this can be especially risky. Before purchasing fireworks, check with the Utah Department of Public Safety for fireworks restricted areas. Note that not every area will be on this list. Sometimes an area that was safe one year will be restricted this year, so if you’re not sure, call your local fire authority.
If your area is on this restricted list, attend a community fireworks display instead. This also applies if your area does allow fireworks, but you cannot light them a safe distance away from structures and dry grass.
Fire Safety
Always have water on hand. Your garden hose and a full bucket should be ready to go in case a firework goes awry.
When your fireworks have been spent, soak them down well. Then throw them away in a metal trash can away from any building or flammable material. Plastic can melt, especially if a firework reignites. And keeping your trash can close to your house can result in a dangerous fire.
Lighting Fireworks
Smaller fireworks can seem dull in comparison to professional aerial displays. But you should never try to alter them or light more than one at a time. These can get out of hand very quickly and result in serious burns. Even “safe” fireworks (like sparklers and other non-aerial fireworks) can burn above 1,000 degrees.
Because of the temperature at which they burn, only adults who can move away quickly and set up a firework safely before igniting should light the fuse. Fireworks should never be given to children.
As you light fireworks, be mindful of recently-lit and burnt-out ones nearby so you don’t step on them or re-ignite any of them.
If a firework fails to ignite or to explode, never attempt to relight them. Wait 20 minutes before approaching, in case it goes off unexpectedly. Then hose off the firework and soak in water.
Sparklers
On the Fourth of July, everyone wants to participate in the fun of fireworks. If you feel confident with your children handling sparklers, you can let them use these. However, you should exercise caution in this case as well. Remember that sparklers can burn above 1,000 degrees.
Give your child (or anyone else) an unlit sparkler. Only when they have it should you light it. Then, encourage your child to stand around six feet away from others while handling the sparkler, with the stick at arm’s length.
Remind your child never to run, sit, lie down, or crouch while handling a sparkler. Sparks can fly, burning others or your child, or possibly starting a fire.
Pet Safety
The Fourth of July can be a stressful time for our pets! They don’t take the same enjoyment in explosions as many people do. So no matter the size of the display, even if it’s as small as a bang snap, leave your pets out of your firework fun.
If you have outdoor pets, make sure they are brought into a kennel, basement, or other interior safe space well before dark. If you can, make sure that they are home all day to avoid the possibility of them being out after dark.
Move your pet to a safe interior room within your home as much as possible. This will reduce their exposure to the sounds of fireworks and cause them less stress than if they are near a door or window.
Even though your pet may be indoors, accidents can still happen. Make sure your pet has a collar and an ID tag in case it escapes the house.
Never, ever shoot fireworks of any kind near pets. Animals can become unpredictable when scared, and may sustain an injury to themselves or to people, or they can run off.