Fire, Public Communications

10 smart tips for a safe and festive Fourth of July

By Stuart Marrs, CSFD Public Information Officer

Most of us build our traditional Independence Day celebrations around food, family, and friends, not to mention plenty of bright and colorful fireworks. Unfortunately, fireworks can also cause injuries and damage property, even when properly used.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to watch a professional fireworks display such as the Texas A&M RELLIS campus Fireworks in Bryan Saturday night at the RELLIS Campus.

Can you guess what types of fireworks cause the most injuries? It’s not bottle rockets, roman candles, or even the aerial firecrackers — it’s those innocent-looking sparklers. They produce about a third of all fireworks-related injuries.

Sparklers burn at about 1,200 degrees, Six-times hotter than boiling water. Glow sticks, confetti poppers, and bubbles a much safer alternative for young children.

As you prepare for your Fourth of July celebration, here are 10 essential things to keep in mind:

  1. It’s illegal to discharge fireworks in the city limits.
  2. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, stay at least six feet away from others and wear a face mask, especially indoors. It’s also a good idea to avoid large gatherings, even with your extended family. 
  3. When using fireworks, always read the labels first and wear safety glasses.
  4. Never give fireworks to children. An adult should supervise fireworks activities.
  5. Light one firework at a time, then quickly move away.
  6. Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings and vehicles.
  7. Never re-light a dud. Wait 20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
  8. Always have a bucket of water and a water hose nearby.
  9. Never shoot fireworks near pets. Make sure your pets – especially those sensitive to loud noises – are where they feel safe and comfortable.
  10. Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix.

If you’re planning a cookout, be sure to practice safe grilling practices, too:

Related Links:

 

About the Blogger

Stuart Marrs has been with the College Station Fire Department since 2009 and has served as a captain since 2017. He was previously a firefighter with the Huntsville (Texas) Fire Department. Stuart studied communications at Texas A&M and earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from TAMU-Commerce in 2019.

 

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City of College Station

4 thoughts on “10 smart tips for a safe and festive Fourth of July”

  1. Firstly i salute all the fire workers who were save us from all fire kind of danger.y reading your all blog i can say that it was about the respect and love for fireworks.They all sacrifices their life for us.So we have to show them respect and love.

    Thanks for such a nice blog and for more

  2. Hi Stuart,
    Helpful post!!Thanks for the awareness. I was just shocked to hear that innocent-looking sparkler is dangerously related to injuries. And mostly thanks for mentioning safer alternatives.Informative writing…Keep writing and sharing.

  3. Okay!!!! Okay!! Thanks for being aware. Thank you for being aware. I was surprised when I learned the innocent sparkler is in danger of injuries. And thank you particularly for considering safer alternatives. Insightful writing

  4. Thanks, Stuart, for making people aware of this concept. It can be very dangerous if it isn’t clarified properly. Thanks for mentioning all the fascinating facts.