Fireworks Safety + Reminders for Our Residents

Keep the boom away from the bushes

Summertime is here and we have 4th of July in our sights.

We know many of you plan to celebrate with fireworks; there’s nothing quite like a summer nighttime sky lit up with fireworks, just make sure your house doesn’t go up in flames too.

Fireworks pose a very ‘for real danger’. Thousands are injured every year, and even deaths have occurred. This is why the National Safety Council advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals, and not to use any fireworks at home.

There’s a reason why many large-scale public displays are set off over or near large bodies of water… embers can travel and fall in unpredictable patterns.

Always light fireworks away from your house, and be sure to have a bucket of water, or a hose handy. Sparks from fireworks start almost 20,000 (yes, TWENTY thousand) fires annually.

Check the law

North and South Carolina laws differ when it comes to purchasing and using fireworks.

Remember, some fireworks may be legal but they are not always safe. Here’s a link to all of the legalese.

What are perfect conditions for pyrotechnics?

It seems obvious that a windy night is not ideal for lighting fireworks, but a calm night is not ideal either.  Smoke can remain stagnant in a calm wind and reduce air quality.

Meanwhile, a strong wind can push falling embers into areas far beyond the ignition area and may land on unsuspecting neighbors or your dry pine needles.

Hopefully it goes without saying that if you hear thunder, do not attempt to set off any fireworks. Lighting can strike and set off unlit fireworks, and you know, you can become sizzled yourself if lighting strikes.

The best advice is to always be weather-aware. We are fortunate to have many awesome meteorologists in Charlotte that regularly update weather conditions – try Brad Panovich or Nick Kosir.

Sparklers are not kid-friendly

Super fun, but when you think about it, you’re handing your kid a stick that burns at 2,000 degrees…

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children ages 5 years and younger, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries. Consider giving your littles a glow stick or even a confetti popper instead, it’s just not worth the risk.

Where to see Fourth of July fireworks

Check out this list for local displays.