Fireworks Safety and Regulations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that fireworks were to blame for 11 deaths and an estimated 9,200 emergency room visits in 2006 alone.   

In 2004, fireworks were behind an estimated 2,200 structure or vehicle fires.

As you celebrate the 4th with your family and friends, please keep the safety tips below in mind. 

• Use fireworks outdoors only.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Obey local laws (see below). If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
• Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions. Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
• Only persons over the age of 21 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
• Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.

Tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission .

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Laws regulating Fireworks (Always check your local ordinances for exceptions!):

Virginia -

Allowed - Sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies.

Illegal - Firecrackers, torpedos, skyrockets, or other substance or object, which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.

North Carolina -

Allowed - Toy pistol caps, snake and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, sparklers, and other sparkling devices that do not spin or propel themsevles through the air.

Illegal - Explosive or aerial fireworks, roman candles, rockets or similar devices.