Fireworks Safety and Reporting Information

Celebrating Independence Day should not end up with a trip to the emergency room, or worse.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 10,000 fireworks-related injuries in 2022 and 11 deaths associated with fireworks.

Celebrate safely to protect yourself and those you love.

Be extra careful with sparklers:

  • Little arms are too short to hold sparklers, which can heat up to 1,200-1,800 degrees. How about letting your young children use glow sticks instead? They can be just as fun but they don’t burn at a temperature hot enough to melt glass.
  • Always closely supervise children around fireworks.

Take necessary precautions:

  • Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
  • Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
  • Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
  • Don’t try to relight misfired fireworks – it increases the risk of injuries.
  • Keep water nearby.

Pet safety:

  • Do not bring your pet to a fireworks display; keep your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound of fireworks.
  • Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.

For further details on fireworks including safety and security information, refer to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Illegal Explosives/Reporting

Illegal explosives are inherently dangerous and homemade explosives can pose a particular risk due to lack of knowledge and experience in manufacturing.

  • ATF asks that the public report the manufacture or sale of illegal fireworks by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-888-283-2662 or report to local law enforcement.
  • If someone is violating local regulations and discharging fireworks in restricted areas, and there is not an immediate danger/safety issue, call the local law enforcement non-emergency number if one is available.

The best and safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go to a public firework display and
leave the lighting to the professionals.

For more information, call 211 or search our online database:

  • www.helplinecenter.org/2-1-1/
  • Enter your Zip Code
    • In the Search for Specific Program box, enter:
      • Sheriff
      • Municipal Police
      • ATF
      • Chambers of Commerce – for information on local 4th of July events

Sources:

Disclaimer: This HelpSheet is developed by the Helpline Center. HelpSheets provide a brief overview of the designated topic. For more information, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211.

Last updated: April 2024