Celebrate the Fourth of July safely

Say “Fourth of July” to practically any American, and they’ll picture the night sky filling with fiery flowers, bursting pinwheels, glittering fountains, and kids writing their names in the air with sparklers.

Fireworks are as much a part of Independence Day as parades and picnics. However, fireworks start more than 31,000 fires annually, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that in 2023 fireworks injuries landed 9,700 people in the ER. To keep the holiday magical for your children and worry-free for you, it’s important to make sure everyone knows and follows some simple guidelines for safety.

Keep it legal. Fireworks are permitted by law in some states, but not all. You need to know your state and local regulations to stay on the right side of this issue. Nothing spoils a good time like a hefty fine, or even an arrest. Remember though, that just because they’re legal doesn’t mean they’re safe. The University of Iowa College of Public Health found that after Iowa legalized fireworks, there was an 11.3 percent increase in under-18 injuries from fireworks in the state; those injuries accounted for nearly 31 percent of the total fireworks injuries, up more than 11 percent from the three years prior.
Keep it professional. Never use homemade devices. They’re against the law everywhere, and with good reason. Homemade fireworks are unpredictable, unstable, and easy to lose control of.
Keep it age appropriate. No matter how much they plead, young children should never be allowed to handle fireworks, and older kids and teens should be carefully supervised. Even the humble sparkler — a kid favorite — accounted for over 700 of the fireworks-related injuries reported during 2023 according to the CPSC, and over half of those suffering firework injuries are under 19. It only takes a moment’s inattention to result in a lifetime of regret.
Keep your distance. A responsible adult should oversee the fireworks. Everyone else needs to stand back and stay safe. Also, the designated fuse-lighter should wear eye protection.
Keep your hands off. Once you’ve lit the fuse, step a safe distance away. Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Keep it sober. It might seem an obvious point to make, but explosives — even the minor kind associated with most fireworks — don’t mix with drugs or alcohol. Impaired judgement around fireworks can get people hurt or killed.
Keep it in the open. Another obvious rule: skyrockets — and every other firework, for that matter — should only be set off under the sky. There’s too much that’s flammable indoors, and no way to keep an assured, safe distance between you, your family, and the source of danger. Also, don’t set off fireworks in a container.
Keep it pointed in the right direction. Never point or throw fireworks at another person, or where there are flammable materials.
Keep it limited. You should only light one firework at a time and have an area away from people or buildings where you set things off.
Keep the garden hose handy. You need to be able to douse any potentially flammable materials. Also, once sparklers or other fireworks fizzle out, it’s a good idea to submerge them in a bucket of water or sand. When festivities have ended, soak any duds or unused fireworks in water.
Keep Rover inside. Fireworks can be terrifying for most pets; make sure they have a safe, quiet space where they can wait out the noise and light.
Keep some alternatives in mind. It might make sense to avoid danger entirely and pass on having your own fireworks. There are plenty of ways to celebrate that aren’t nearly as dangerous. Make attending your community’s Independence Day celebration a family occasion. Play up the picnic and play down the pyrotechnics. Consider glowsticks rather than sparklers, for example, and give the kids noisemakers instead of firecrackers.

Sources: The National Safety Council; Neighborhood Safety Network; National Fire Prevention Association

The information included here was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI, and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions, or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state, or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, SI, should not be used as the basis for legal advice and should be confirmed with alternative sources.

5/2025