8 Essential Safety Tips for Fireworks Season
Fireworks season is an exciting time of year filled with celebrations, sparkling lights, and colorful displays.  Whether it’s Diwali, the Fourth of July, New Year's Eve, or any festive occasion, fireworks can bring joy to people of all ages.  However, behind the excitement lies a significant risk.  Each year, thousands of firework-related injuries are reported, many of them involving children and teens.  Fires, burns, eye injuries, and even permanent damage can result from improper use of fireworks.
To ensure that the fun doesn’t turn into a tragedy, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines.  Here are 8 essential safety tips that everyone should follow during fireworks season:
1.  Buy fireworks from reputable, licensed vendors. Always purchase fireworks from reputable vendors who follow local safety regulations and laws.  Avoid homemade fireworks or illegal explosives, which may not have been properly tested and can pose serious hazards.  Ensure that the packaging is sealed, labeled, and provides instructions for safe use.  Certified fireworks are more likely to include safety features and are less likely to malfunction.
2.  Know and obey local regulations. Different regions have different laws regarding the sale and use of fireworks.  Some cities may ban fireworks altogether, while others may restrict them to certain dates or times.  Be informed about your area’s regulations.  Violating local laws can result in fines, legal trouble, or the confiscation of your fireworks.  More importantly, laws are designed to protect public safety, including preventing wildfires and minimizing noise pollution.
3.  Maintain a Safe Distance. Fireworks are explosive devices and should be treated with caution.  Always maintain a safe distance when lighting or watching fireworks.  Spectators should stand at least 15–20 feet away from ground-based fireworks, and even farther from aerial ones.  Those lighting fireworks should retreat quickly after ignition and never lean over fireworks while lighting them.  Having a clear space away from homes, vehicles, trees, and power lines is also important.
4.  Never Let Children Handle Fireworks
Children should never be allowed to light or play with fireworks.  Even seemingly harmless items like sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures—hot enough to cause third-degree burns.  If children are around during a fireworks display, make sure they are closely supervised and kept at a safe distance.  Educate them about the dangers of fireworks and the importance of watching from a safe area.
5.  Use Safety Gear and Precautions
Wearing protective gear like safety goggles and gloves can reduce the risk of injury while handling fireworks.  Always light fireworks one at a time and use a long-handled lighter or an extended match to avoid burns.  Never attempt to relight a “dud” firework—wait for at least 20 minutes and then soak it in water before discarding.  Always have a bucket of water, sand, or a hose nearby in case of fire or malfunction.
6.  Avoid Alcohol While Handling Fireworks
Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.  Consuming alcohol can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of accidents.  If you plan to drink during a celebration, assign a sober, responsible adult to be in charge of setting off the fireworks.  The person handling the fireworks should remain alert, focused, and in full control of their actions to ensure everyone’s safety.
7.  Be Mindful of Pets and Neighbors
Fireworks can be extremely distressing for animals, especially dogs and cats.  The loud noises and bright lights can cause anxiety and panic, sometimes leading pets to run away or injure themselves.  Keep pets indoors, play soothing music to mask the noise, and consult your veterinarian for calming solutions if needed.  Also, be considerate of neighbors, especially those with small children, elderly family members, or individuals suffering from PTSD, for whom fireworks may cause significant stress.
8.  Clean Up Responsibly
Once the celebration is over, take the time to clean up all firework debris.  Spent fireworks can remain hot for hours and may reignite, so it’s important to douse them in water before disposing of them.  Fireworks litter is harmful to the environment and local wildlife in addition to posing a fire hazard. Responsible cleanup reflects a commitment to community safety and environmental care.