Red, White, & Safe

Keeping your summer celebrations “Red, White, & Safe” means enjoying the spectacular views while ensuring your property, loved ones, and pets stay out of harm’s way. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and National Fire Prevention campaigns, thousands of injuries and preventable fires happen every year due to the misuse or improper disposal of fireworks.

The easiest way to keep your holiday safe is to remember the Three B’s: Be Prepared, Be Safe, & Be Responsible.

1. Be Prepared (Before the Show)

• Know the Law: Only buy legal consumer fireworks from licensed, reputable stands. Check your local city or county ordinances, as many areas impose total firework bans during dry seasons or periods of high wildfire risk.

• Pick the Right Spot: Find a clear, flat, and stable surface (like concrete, asphalt, or packed dirt). Ensure the area is entirely free of dry grass, brush, leaves, and overhead obstructions such as trees and roofing.

• Prep Your Water Source: Always have a garden hose hooked up and ready to go or keep several buckets of water nearby to immediately douse stray sparks or accidental fires.

• Protect Your Pets: Keep animals indoors in a secure, quiet room. More pets go missing during July 4th celebrations than at any other time of the year due to panic caused by loud noises.

2. Be Safe (During the Show)

• Adults Only: Never let children handle or light fireworks. Even sparklers burn at about 2,000ºF, hot enough to melt certain metals and cause severe third-degree burns in seconds.

• One at a Time: Light fireworks one at a time, use an extended butane lighter or a safety punk to keep your distance, and back away immediately.

• Watch Your Body Language: Never lean your head or body directly over a firework device while lighting the fuse and never hold a lit firework in your hand.

• The “Dud” Rule: If a firework does not go off, never attempt to relight it. Let it sit untouched for at least 20 minutes, then approach it carefully and submerge it in a bucket of water.

• Stay Sober: The designated person lighting the fireworks should always remain completely sober.

3. Be Responsible (After the Show & Fire Prevention)
Improper disposal is one of the leading causes of structure and trash fires after a celebration.

• The Bucket Brigade Method: Submerge all spent fireworks, used sparkler wires, and duds in the bucket of water overnight (or for several hours) to ensure the core is completely saturated and cool to the touch.

• Safe Storage: Once fully soaked, place the wet debris in a metal trash container rather than in a plastic bin or directly in a garage. Keep this container outdoors and away from any walls or structures until trash pickup day.

Ultimately, a “Red, White, and Safe” celebration relies on preparation, common sense, and mindfulness of your surroundings. By treating all pyrotechnical devices with respect, keeping water within arm’s reach, and properly soaking debris before discarding it, you can protect your home and loved ones from preventable accidents. Leaving the big displays to the professionals or committing to strict backyard safety ensures that your holiday memories are defined by spectacular traditions rather than emergency room visits or fire department calls.