Fourth of July Fireworks Safety Tips From Montgomery County Fire Department

ROCKVILLE, MD — As residents get ready to celebrate the Fourth of July, the Montgomery County Fire Department reminds residents of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and the improper use of legal ground-based displays.

Each Fourth of July, hundreds of children are permanently disfigured due to burns by fireworks. Here's what you should know:

• Each year, fireworks in the United States cause about 12 deaths, 2,000 serious eye injuries, and 5,000 other injuries (including amputated fingers).
• Although many people mistakenly believe that sparklers are safe, sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit (nearly hot enough to melt gold).
• In Montgomery County, all fireworks are illegal to possess or discharge including gold label sparklers.

Snap-and-pop noise makers, snakes, and party poppers are the only exception to this law.

Maryland's Fireworks Laws:

• Fireworks include any firecracker, skyrocket, or Roman candle. Toy caps are only permitted if the explosive content is under .25 grains and they are designed so the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in use.
• In Maryland, private use and possession of fireworks, including sparklers, is illegal and carries a $500 fine.
• It is against the law to sell fireworks in Maryland, and carries a $1,000 fine.
• Public fireworks displays require proper permits and insurance.

SEE ALSO:

• Which Fireworks Are Legal, Which Are Banned In Maryland 2017?
• Maryland 4th Of July 2017 Fireworks: Complete Schedule And Events Guide

Depending on where you live and where you will be celebrating the July 4th holiday, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use. In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. Only gold-labeled sparklers, novelty items — such as party poppers, snap pops, and snakes — and ground-based sparkler devices are allowed in Maryland, says the state fire marshal’s office.

But if you use or watch fireworks, federal officials have these safety tips:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Do not allow anyone under the age of 12 to handle sparklers at any time.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• View fireworks from a safe distance.
• Be sure to make provisions to keep your pets safe as well. Keep pets indoors with a safe, secure place to hide. Turn on ambient noise, such as a radio or television, to provide some distraction from the loud sounds of fireworks. Ensure pets’ microchips and IDs are up-to-date. Resist the urge to take pets to fireworks displays and instead leave pets at home.
• Always dial 911 for any emergencies.

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