The 4th of July commemorates the day the thirteen colonies officially declared their independence from Great Britian in 1776. At the first Independence Day celebration in 1777 in Boston and Philadelphia, firework displays were set off and 13-gun salutes were fired to honor the original thirteen colonies. Since then, fireworks have become a prominent symbol of patriotism used to celebrate the 4th of July.
What are the Potential Dangers of Fireworks?
Fireworks seem to be more popular than ever. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, in 2023, more than 273 million pounds of fireworks were bought by Americans. Of that, 246 million pounds were used by consumers and 27 million pounds were used in firework displays.
However, there is no denying that thousands of people are injured – or even killed – when firework displays go haywire. In 2023, 9,844 firework-related injuries and at least eight deaths were reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Five of the eight deaths were linked to firework misuse, two with a device malfunction and one involves unknown circumstances.
The potential dangers of fireworks extend past bodily harm. An average of 20,000 fires a year are started as the result of fireworks, causing more than $100 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Best Places to Watch Fireworks in Florida
The best way to reduce your risk of exposure to the potential dangers of fireworks is to attend a professional firework display. Professional displays can be found across the state of Florida.
- Northwest West Florida
- Pensacola: Fireworks at the Beach
- Panama City: July 4th Salute to Freedom Festival
- North Central Florida
- Tallahassee: Celebrate America
- Lake City: 4th of July Celebration
- Gainesville: Day-by-day List of Gainesville Area Displays
- Cedar Key: Independence Day Celebration Fireworks
- Northeast Florida
- Jacksonville: 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
- St. Augustine: Fireworks Over the Matanzas
- Ameilia Island: Celebrate Independence Day on and around Amelia Island
- Central West Florida
- Crystal River: 4th of July Celebration
- Brooksville: Red, White & Brew Festival
- Tampa: 4th of July Fireworks and Parades
- St. Petersburg: Fourth of July Celebrations
- Central Florida
- Ocala: Patriotic Skies
- Orlando: Fireworks at the Fountain
- Sebring: July 4th Fireworks Show
- Central East Florida
- Daytona Beach: Star Spangled Summer
- Cocoa Beach: Symphony Under the Stars
- Port St. Lucie: Tradition’s Homegrown
- Southwest Florida
- Naples: Parade and Fireworks
- Siesta Key: Community Fireworks
- Southeast Florida
- Stuart: Fire and Ice 4th of July
- Palm Beach: July 4th Celebration
- Miami: 5-Star 4th of July Experience
At-Home Firework Safety Tips
It is paramount to educate yourself on firework safety if you are inclined to organize a firework display at home. Doing so will help mitigate the potential dangers of fireworks and help keep your family and home safe.
Before Lighting Fireworks
- Purchase legal fireworks. Only buy fireworks from reputable and licensed dealers approved by the CPSC.
- Pick a safe location to use as the launch site. Choose an outdoor area that is clear from flammable materials, where the ground is flat and stable.
- Don’t mix alcohol and fireworks. Never handle fireworks while intoxicated.
- Read the instructions. Be sure to follow the instructions on the firework’s packaging prior to lighting it.
- Wear safety gear. Protective eyewear can shield your eyes and prevent injury from debris and sparks.
- Have access to a water source in case of an emergency. Keep a bucket of water, hose, or other water source nearby to douse malfunctioning fireworks or put out accidental fires.
Lighting Fireworks
- Properly light the fireworks. If necessary, use a long taper or firework igniter to light the fuse at arm’s length. Be sure to keep your face and body away from the fuse while lighting.
- Only light one firework at a time. It is dangerous to light more than one firework at a time. Twisting fuses together can cause unpredictable explosions.
- Immediately move back after lighting. It is imperative to quickly move back after lighting fireworks. To reduce the potential dangers of fireworks, maintain a safe distance from the firework launch site and never put any body parts in front of or directly over the fireworks.
- For ground-based fireworks, the perimeter should be at least 35 feet.
- For ariel fireworks, the perimeter should be at least 150 feet.
- Do not try to relight a malfunctioning firework. Once the malfunctioning firework cools off, safely dispose of it. Submerge the firework in water, let it soak overnight, and wrap it in a plastic bag to prevent it from drying out.
- Do not allow children to light fireworks. Always have a sober adult set up and light fireworks.
- Keep your pets indoors. The noise and bright lights of fireworks can frighten animals. Keep them indoors during displays for their safety.
- Never throw or point fireworks at another person. Doing so can cause grave bodily harm.
After Lighting Fireworks
- Monitor the area for any embers. Extinguish any remaining embers with water.
- Do not pick up a firework that hasn’t ignited. Instead, wait at least 20 minutes before approaching, then douse the malfunctioning firework in water.
- Properly dispose of all fireworks:
- Step One: Soak all fireworks in a bucket outside overnight to neutralize any remaining explosive materials.
- Step Two: Once the fireworks are thoroughly soaked, drain excess water, and transfer into a resealable plastic bag to prevent the fireworks from drying out.
- Step Three: Place the plastic bag with the neutralized fireworks in your garbage container. Fireworks are not considered hazardous waste.
- Store or dispose of unused fireworks. Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place, away from any appliances. You can also check if your local fire department collects unused fireworks.
Firework Laws and Regulations
The State of Florida. The use of sparklers, smoke bombs, and cap guns are legal for year-round use in Florida, however, any other fireworks are restricted to only be used on the following days: Independence Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. It is illegal to purchase and set off firecrackers, roman candles, skyrockets, and aerial shells. Learn more about Florida Statue 791 here.
Check your local ordinances and HOA rules. Firework rules and regulations vary by county, city, and community. It is important to check your local ordinances and HOA rules, as they may include additional restrictions.
Your Safety is our Priority
Understanding the potential dangers of fireworks equips you with the tools and knowledge to have a safe Independence Day Celebration. At Ovation Home Insurance Exchange, we’re here to help you protect what matters most. For more tips on safeguarding your Florida home, and to make sure your insurance coverage fits your needs, connect with your agent or explore our resources today.
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