4th of July Home Safety Tips

The 4th of July is synonymous with pool parties, grilling, water sports, and of course, fireworks. While the day is full of excitement and festivities, there tends to be a spike in injuries and property damage around the holiday. By following our Firework Safety Tips, you can keep your family and home stay safe while celebrating America’s Birthday.

What to Look for When Purchasing Fireworks

Check Local Laws: The start to any firework safety practice is to check your local and state governments’ firework rules and regulations. Not every state allows fireworks, and some states restrict the types of fireworks you can legally purchase. Your city may also have additional rules as to where fireworks can be set off.

Purchase Legal Fireworks: Only buy fireworks from reputable and licensed dealers that are approved by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Avoid purchasing fireworks that are labeled “professional” and are wrapped in brown paper. These fireworks are not intended for consumer use and require special handling.

Safe and Sane Fireworks: Safe and Sane fireworks are not a brand of fireworks, but rather a type that aren’t considered projectiles or explosives. Safe and sane fireworks are typically considered “safer” fireworks and consist mainly of:

• Fountains: Fireworks that produce colored sparks and effects without leaving the ground.
• Sparklers: Fireworks that allow users to enjoy the fun, flashy firework experience while eliminating the possibility of an explosion.
• Smoke Balls: Fireworks that produce colorful smoke while lit.
• Ground-Spinning Fireworks: Fireworks that rotate on the ground, producing a fun visual display.

Kid-Friendly Alternatives

Fireworks can pose a danger to developing ears. Their sounds range from 150 to 175 decibels. The EPA recommends that children shouldn’t be exposed to noises over 85 decibels. Consider using headphones or earplugs to protect your child’s hearing or choose a kid-friendly alternative when celebrating.

• Glow Sticks are a safe and engaging way for kids to participate in the festivities. They can get creative by making bracelets, necklaces, and sculptures.
• Silly String can be a fun alternative to sparklers.
• Confetti Cannons provide a burst of color and excitement, similar to fireworks.
• Party Poppers create a positive upbeat atmosphere that adds excitement to the festivities.
• Bubbles are a simple and safe activity that bring joy to any party.

How to Safely Handle Fireworks

It is especially important to emphasize firework safety guidelines when handling fireworks. According to CPSC, 9,700 people were hospitalized from firework-related injuries in 2023.

• Choose a Safe Location: Choose an outdoor area that is clear, open, and away from buildings, trees, dry grass, and other flammable materials. Make sure the ground is flat and stable.
• Alcohol and Fireworks Don’t Mix Well: Never handle fireworks while intoxicated.
• Never Allow Young Children to Play with or Light Fireworks: Always have an adult set up and light the fireworks.
• Follow Set-Up and Lighting Instructions: Read the instructions on the firework’s packaging and follow its guidelines for lighting.
• Light One Firework at a Time: Twisting fuses together can be dangerous as it can cause unpredictable explosions.
• Move Back Quickly After Lighting: Keep a safe distance from the firework launch area and never put any body parts directly over the fireworks.
• Malfunctioning Fireworks: Never try to re-light a malfunctioning firework. Once the fireworks cool off, safely dispose of it by submerging it in water, and wrapping it in a plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
• Access to Water: Keep a bucket of water, hose, or other water source nearby to douse malfunctioning fireworks or to put out accidental fires.

Disposal of Fireworks: Proper disposal is just as important as proper handling when it comes to firework safety. Improper disposal of fireworks can lead to fires, pollution, and pose a safety hazard for garbage collectors.

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• Step One: Soak all fireworks in a bucket outside overnight to neutralize the remaining explosive materials.
• Step Two: Once the fireworks are thoroughly soaked, drain the excess water, and transfer the fireworks to a resealable plastic bag. This will prevent the fireworks from drying out.
• Step Three: Place the plastic bag with the neutralized fireworks in your garbage container. Fireworks are not considered hazardous waste.

Unused Fireworks: Store in a cool, dry place, away from any appliances. Check with your local fire department to see if they collect unused fireworks.

Know What to Do in an Emergency

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If Someone is Injured:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Do not hesitate to call 911 for burns, eye injuries, head injuries, or other serious injuries.
• Control Bleeding: Identify where the bleeding is coming from. Apply direct, steady pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. To learn more about how to Stop the

Bleed, consider taking a training course.

• Cool Burns: Run the affected area under cool, not cold, water for at least 10 minutes. If possible, remove any clothing and jewelry from the affected area.

Home Safety Precautions

Create a Safe Perimeter: Clear the area around the firework launch site by removing any dry leaves, branches, or other flammable materials. Move outdoor furniture, decorations, and doormats inside, and make sure to close your windows and doors. Turn off your grill and keep combustible materials at least 10 feet away. **Tip: Ask your agent how your home insurance may cover you should your grill accidentally cause a fire and damage your property.

Inspect Your Roof: Check your roof for any missing shingles, deterioration, or debris that could be a fire hazard.

Pets and Fireworks: Don’t forget about your furry friends when making your firework safety plans. Keep your pets safe and out of harm’s way by keeping them indoors. Create a safe and secure environment inside by playing white noise or music, offering them soothing words, and closing the windows. If your pet struggles with anxiety, you may want to consult your veterinarian about calming products. And remember to always have updated information on your pet’s ID tag and microchip.

After Your Firework Show: Be sure to check that all fireworks have been properly detonated and that there are no duds. Hose down the launch site and extinguish any lingering flames. Keep an eye out for any signs of fire in the area.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July is to attend a professional fireworks show. If you decide to put on a firework show at home, make sure you have the proper coverage. Reach out to your agent or review your policy online.

Keeping your family and home safe and protected is Florida Peninsula Insurance Company’s top priority. We are one of Florida's largest homeowners insurance companies offering multi-peril policies covering homes, condos, and renters insurance. For more information, or to get a quote, please call 877-229-2244.