Pennsylvanians urged to follow firework safety tips during Fourth of July

HANOVER, Pa. (WTAJ) — State leaders gathered Friday in Codorus State Park to urge Pennsylvanians to be safe and responsible while celebrating the Fourth of July.

The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Conservation and Natural Resources, Drug and Alcohol Programs and Health, along with Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Office of the State Fire Commissioner reminded everyone of the dangers of driving or boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the importance of wearing sunscreen and protecting yourself from ultraviolet rays if spending time outside for the holiday and to “know before you go” by checking 511PA for any holiday travel restrictions.

At the event, the Office of the State Fire Commissioner recommended safety guidelines as part of its new fireworks safety campaign for those that plan to incorporate fireworks into their festivities over the holiday weekend.

“Fireworks are capable of causing serious injury or death and must be treated with extreme caution,” Deputy State Fire Commissioner John “J.C.” Tedorski said. “In 2022, fireworks were involved in more than 10,000 visits to the emergency room. And in 2018, fireworks started 19,500 fires and caused over $100 million in property damage. A few simple precautions can ensure that you are not contributing to these alarming statistics.”

Here’s how to keep yourself, your family and your friends safe around fireworks:

• Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, using illegal drugs or taking medications that can impair your judgement.
• Have a bucket of water, a hose or a fire extinguisher near where you’re setting off fireworks in case of accidents.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Keep a close eye on children when using sparklers. Sparklers are the second leading cause of fireworks-related visits to the emergency room and burn at 2,000° Fahrenheit — the same temperature as a blow torch flame.
• Soak spent and unused fireworks in a bucket of water for a few hours before throwing them away.
• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes when setting off fireworks.
• Do not hold fireworks in your hand or put any part of your body directly over a firework.
• Never light more than one firework at a time as this increases the risk of something going wrong.
• Never light fireworks inside or near buildings.
• Do not light fireworks near or at other people and maintain a safe distance after you light one.
• Keep pets safe by keeping them indoors. It is also recommended that you close curtains and blinds and provide them with some background sound for distraction.

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Along with remembering these safety tips, Pennsylvanians are urged to follow the laws for firework usage in their local municipalities.

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