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
- In the Search for Specific Program box, enter:
Sources:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- United States Consumer Product Safety Commission 2022 Fireworks Annual Report – PDF
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