As we prepare to celebrate July 4th, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) encourages you to enjoy fireworks at a distance. In other words, let the professionals handle the fireworks display. Taking this step is the safest way to enjoy the holiday celebration. However, if you choose to enjoy fireworks up close, use legal fireworks and sparklers. Also, consider adopting the safety measures below.
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks
Following these steps can help you from becoming a statistic. According to the 2023 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, emergency rooms treated 9,700 people for fireworks related injuries. Eight people died. For more information about firework safety, visit the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the Virginia Department of Forestry. For other safety related information visit the Virginia Department of Health.