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Fourth of July fireworks can turn a fun-filled celebration into a painful memory if you do not exercise caution. Even the most innocent-looking fireworks can cause injury or a fire. For example, a sparkler can reach 1,800° F, a temperature hot enough to melt gold. Keep reading to learn firework tips and facts to help keep your Independence Day celebration safe and legal.

Firework Facts

• In the state of Arizona, residents are only allowed to purchase “novelty fireworks” such as snakes, party poppers, ground spinners and fountains. Sparklers are not considered a novelty firework.
• The following states only allow consumers to purchase sparklers and novelty fireworks: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio and Vermont.
• The following states ban all types of consumer fireworks: Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York.
• The states not previously mentioned allow the use of Class C consumer fireworks, as permitted by law, which may include rockets, Roman candles, mortars, tube devices, sparklers, rockets, snakes, fountains, party poppers and firecrackers containing no more than 50 milligrams of powder.

Read more about firework laws.

Firework Safety Tips

• Learn and follow your local laws.
• Wear safety goggles when handling fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby when lighting fireworks. Soak fireworks that you lit or those that are duds.
• Do not light fireworks in a container, especially those made of glass or metal.
• Follow the packaging instructions for firework storage. Otherwise, store them in a cool, dry place.
• Always require adult supervision when children are around fireworks.
• Do not hold fireworks in your hand as you ignite them.
• Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.
• Ignite fireworks a safe distance from your home.
• Make sure your pets are in a safe place before lighting fireworks because the noise can scare them.

Remember this Independence Day: playing it safe with fireworks is more fun than being in the emergency room because of a preventable injury or seeing your house go up in flames.

Learn how to prepare the outside of your home to prevent fire damage.

[Image: Allan Chatto]

Photo by A Million to One CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Independence Day is here. With fireworks and firecrackers come fires. To ensure the safety of your family and neighborhood, keep the following tips in mind:

• While at a fireworks show, stay at least 125-feet away from the area where the fireworks will be set-off.
• Do not touch any fireworks that have fallen to the ground or even partial parts of a firework. Do not pick up any fireworks that look like they did not explode. Instead, contact the local fire department.
• Keep animals away from fireworks displays. The loud noises can hurt their sensitive ears or scare them, causing them to run away.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance away from the grill and grilling tools.
• Never fire a gun into the air in celebration of Independence Day. A stray bullet can unintentionally hurt someone. Plus, it is against the law to do this in many states.
• Only light fireworks outdoors.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby while setting-off fireworks.
• Youth under the age of 16 should always be supervised when handling fireworks.
• Do not drink and light. Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

More on fire safety.