Firework Safety Tips for the Fourth of July Weekend

GRANDVILLE, Mich.,––The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and now is the time to prepare! Because the Fourth falls on a Tuesday, that leaves many families with a long weekend for traveling, relaxing, and setting off fireworks to celebrate the holiday. It can be nerve wracking to do fireworks at home with little ones and pets around, because they can be loud and dangerous. There are some basic firework safety tips you and your family can follow for the Fourth of July weekend to keep everyone safe and happy.

1. Light One Firework at a Time

While you may want to set them all off at one time for a grand spectacle, it's better to be safe and light one at a time. This will allow you the time you need to move away from the lit firework quickly, and your crowd the chance to enjoy each and every firework!

2. Light Fireworks Away from Your Home 

If possible, take your fireworks to the backyard or a nearby open field to reduce risk of fires or other accidents. The further you can light fireworks from your house or other buildings, the better! Make sure your audience is sitting far away from where the fireworks are being lit as well.

3.  Only Allow Adults to Light Fireworks

It can be tempting to let your children help with lighting the fireworks because it's exciting and you want them to be involved. You can avoid the risk of injury by only allowing adults to light the fireworks. Even little fireworks like bang snaps and sparklers can be dangerous for little ones to handle.

4. Never Re-Light Dud Fireworks

If you light a firework only to find out it's a dud, leave it be. You can either throw it in your water bucket or let it rest where it landed to make sure it's safe. Either way, there was something wrong with the dud in the first place and it could cause you more danger to try and make it work.

5. Keep Your Pets in a Quiet Place Throughout the Weekend

Pets have sensitive hearing and can often become anxious with fireworks or other loud noises. Wherever you travel this weekend, be kind and provide your pet a safe, quiet place for them to be. You can also try using a Thunder Shirt or lavender paw balm to help calm nervous pets.

6. Never Bring Your Pets to a Firework Show

You may want to share an awesome firework show with your furry friends, but again, it can be anxiety inducing and very scary for them. Do your best to make them feel comfortable, safe, and loved and never bring them to a firework show.

7. Keep a Metal Bucket and Plenty of Water Handy

If you're lighting your own fireworks at home, even small ones, keep a metal bucket and plenty of water handy. Use the metal bucket to put firework remains or duds in, and use the water to douse hot fireworks or sparklers as needed.

8. Go to a Local Fireworks Show! 

You can let the professionals handle the fireworks, and enjoy a big show by attending a local fireworks show. There's one right in Grandville on the 4th of July at the Middle School at Dark! There will also be other fun activities in the City of Grandville for you and the family to enjoy this weekend.

We hope these firework safety tips for the Fourth of July weekend help keep you, your family, and your pets safe and happy this holiday! If you're traveling for the holiday, make sure to have your oil changed, tires inspected, and fluids topped off before you leave. We can help with all of this and more at RiverTown Honda. Check our available coupons, and stop by our Express Service Lane with or without an appointment for services in 90 minutes or less. For even more tips on how to maintain your car for safety on the road, check out our routine maintenance tips and Summer Car Care advice.

Give RiverTown Honda a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.

Visit Us Online: RiverTownHonda.com

Follow Us on Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google +, YouTube