Fireworks Safety for Homeowners

One of the highlights of Independence Day celebrations is a fireworks show, be it with friends and family at one of the large professional displays in Gulfport, Biloxi, Ocean Springs or Pascagoula or a show in the backyard of your Mississippi Gulf Coast home. If you or your neighbors choose to go the DIY route, there are several precautions to take to ensure your home, family and pets stay safe. A link to local fireworks ordinances can be found here.   

Protect Your Home

• Watch your grass.  Many times, small fireworks such as sparklers are lit or carried into the grass. This can cause small fires in your grass, especially if your grass is dry, so be prepared by having a bucket of water nearby, hose or fire extinguisher. If it has been dry, watering your lawn for several days before your fireworks would help make sure your grass has moisture.
• Protect your concrete.  Kids love ground fireworks like snakes and smoke bomb, but many of these fireworks contain chemicals that may leave a permanent stain on your concrete. Don’t ruin your driveway or sidewalk, plan ahead and have a non-flammable item to lay your fireworks on before lighting. A piece of dampened plywood serving as a “launching pad” will help minimize fire hazard while protecting your concrete.
• Clean your gutters.  If you have gutters on your home, clean them prior to the holiday weekend. Gutters accumulate leaves and debris which can be flammable if a hot firework lands on it.
• Select a launch location carefully. Ideally, fireworks are launched from an open area near water. If you’re in your neighborhood, keep an eye out for limbs, trees, bushes and other vegetation that could catch fire. Fireworks are very hot and if they land in trees or landscaping, it could start a fire unintentionally. You can also spray down your bushes with water to be extra safe.
• Let your fireworks cool. Fireworks take time to completely cool off, so don’t immediately put them in the trash. Wait several hours or until the next morning.

Protect Your Family

• Leave lighting to the adults.  Fireworks are extremely dangerous and can leave severe damage to people and property if not handled correctly.  Children should keep a safe distance from the lighting area. Some fireworks are “duds” or may go off unexpectedly, resulting in injury if not watched closely.
• Pay attention to teens.  Teens are more capable of lighting fireworks than small children, but they can be overly brave. Prior to your show, make sure you review how to responsibly light them, and ensure that they are aware of their surroundings. 
• Clean up later. Many kids love to help, and while they may want to track down the fireworks remnants right after the finale, it’s best to wait until the fireworks have cooled completely.

Protect Your Pets

• Update identification tags and microchip information. Double check your pet’s identification tag and registered microchip contact information to ensure they are current, especially if you’ve moved recently.
• Walk/exercise your pets early. Take your pet outdoors before dusk, so they aren’t frightened once fireworks are popping.  Try to wear them out before the festivities so they can sleep through the noise. If you are out on a walk, keep control of the lead should your pet hear any early firecrackers.
• Keep pets indoors. Cats and dogs should be kept indoors on the evenings of and around July 4, since displays often start a few days before and extend several days beyond the holiday. Create a safe and calm environment by closing doors, windows and blinds to muffle loud sounds and remove visual stimulants.  A TV or radio with the volume turned up can help drown out the sounds of fireworks. 
• Provide distractions. Treat toys, such as a Kong filled with a snack, and other favorite toys may help keep your pet’s mind busy and distract them from the fireworks.   
• Leave pets at home. Parties and fireworks are fun for many of us, but can be overwhelming for a pet. If you go out, leave them at home in a safe place.

Keeping these simple safety tips in mind will help protect your home, loved ones and pets as you create fun, lasting memories.