Fireworks Safety

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July. But fireworks can be dangerous, causing serious burn and eye injuries. That's why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and its national and state partners strongly recommend: Leave fireworks to the professionals!

All consumer fireworks are illegal. This includes sparklers that are mistakenly thought to be safe. They actually burn at extremely high temperatures which can rapidly burn through clothing and skin.

If you choose to break the law by transporting, selling, buying or using illegal fireworks:

• We cannot replace your Eyes, Hands or Life;
• We can and will arrest you;
• We can and will confiscate your car and/or business.

When attending professional fireworks displays, please remember:

• Obey and respect all safety barriers set up. This helps the professionals shooting the show do their jobs.
• Resist the temptation to get close to the firing site. Often, the best view is from a quarter of a mile or more away.
• Leave your pets at home - the loud noise can scare animals and hurt their sensitive hearing.
• Do not possess or shoot off fireworks on your own. Besides risking injury to yourself and the crowd watching the demonstration, you will be arrested!

Concerned citizens may report the delivery, sale and/or storage of Firework by calling the Fireworks Hotline at 1-800 FIRE-TIPS. All calls are anonymous.

Back to Safety Tips Index