This Fourth of July, Celebrate Smart, Stay Safe – and Let the Pros Handle the Fireworks
Fireworks-related injuries send people — including children and young adults — to the hospital every year. Even though most critical injuries involve amateurs using illegal or professional-grade fireworks, “novelty” fireworks like firecrackers and sparklers can still inflict serious damage.
The National Safety Council – parent of the Arizona Chapter National Safety Council – advises revelers to skip consumer fireworks altogether and enjoy public displays conducted by licensed professionals. It’s the safest way to celebrate.
Additionally, fireworks are responsible for nearly 20,000 fires each year across the country.
If fireworks are legal in your area and you still choose to use them, here are some safety tips that will help keep your holiday fun from turning into a trip to the emergency room.
Fireworks Safety Tips
Set Up in a Safe Location
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- Use fireworks only on your private property and on concrete surfaces, like the driveway or the street in front of your home.
- Never set off fireworks in the open desert — it could lead to a brush fire.
- Keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby to extinguish malfunctioning fireworks or in case of fire.
Protect Yourself and Others
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- Keep spectators at a safe distance.
- Wear protective eyewear and loose, non-flammable clothing if you are lighting fireworks.
- Never allow children under 12 to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
Be Smart When Lighting Fireworks
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- Light one device at a time and move away immediately after lighting – some fireworks shoot sparks farther than expected.
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- Never light fireworks indoors or in containers, and never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
- Don’t try to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
Dispose of Fireworks Safely
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- Soak all used fireworks, including sparklers, in water for at least 24 hours before discarding them.
- Never place fireworks in trash cans near buildings, garages, or dry brush – even sparklers and spent fireworks can reignite and cause fires.
- Plan for emergencies by keeping a hose or water bucket handy.
Think Sparklers Are Harmless? Think Again.
Sparklers may seem like a fun, low-risk option, especially for children – but they’re more dangerous than you might think. Sparklers burn at around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (for comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees), and can quickly ignite clothing or cause burns to feet and hands. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, they’re responsible for nearly half of all injuries.
Take Care of Your Furry Friends
Pets are often terrified by fireworks, potentially leading them to run away or behave aggressively, including biting. Secure your animals indoors, preferably in a quiet, familiar space. Don’t leave pets unattended outside, even if they’re normally calm.
Resources for Firework Regulations
Laws vary depending on where you live, so it’s important to check local ordinances.
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- City of Phoenix: Permissible and Prohibited Fireworks Use and Sales
- City of Albuquerque, New Mexico: Firework Ordinance and Safety
- Clark County, Nevada: General Fireworks Information
A Safer Way to Celebrate
If you’re looking for fun without the risk, try fire-free options like glow sticks, confetti poppers, LED wands, or colored streamers – they’re especially great for kids. For the full Fourth of July experience, grab a blanket or folding chair, kick back, and let the experts handle the fireworks.