Firework safety and rules you should know this Fourth of July

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With the Fourth of July being just days away, it is important to remember firework safety this holiday weekend.

Though everyone will be enjoying some good hot dogs and firework shows with their family this Friday, it is important to also remain safe when handling and disposing of fireworks. In 2024 alone, 14,700 people were hospitalized due to firework related injuries.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were even 11 deaths from fireworks in the last year alone.

Emily McGuffey, director of emergency and trauma at Med Center Health, stresses the importance of safety during the July 4th. She says “just one injury” can have a long term impact on someone’s life.

When not handled or disposed of properly, fireworks can cause severe damage. Not only can they cause fires, but accidents can lead to severe burns and even amputations of limbs in some cases. To prevent this, it’s important to take many safety precautions when using them.

Public Information Officer with the Bowling Green Fire Department , Katie McKee, encourages the public to “check your local ordinances.” She adds to acknowledge “times and days” that are allowed for setting off fireworks.

Experts recommend having a bucket of water or fire extinguisher on stand by in case something goes wrong and making sure you are checking with local ordinances for when you can set them off is key to safety. Supervision is also something to keep in mind when you have children around fireworks, especially if they are holding sparklers.

Everyone should enjoy this Fourth of July weekend, but also be safe, mindful and prepared in case any accidents happen.